WV KNIFE AND GUN CLUB

(07/08/2021)

GUNFIRE DEATH - A man suspected in a shooting and currently facing charges for illegal firearm possession told police the shooting was accidental, according to a criminal complaint filed in Harrison County Magistrate Court. Brandon James Butler, 34, of Clarksburg, was arrested Wednesday about two hours after police were dispatched to the scene of the shooting, according to information released by Clarksburg Police Chief Mark Kiddy Wednesday. The victim, 40-year-old Clarksburg resident Marcus Gerald Barnett, died in the incident. Butler was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with carrying a concealed weapon, both felonies, according to Kiddy. A criminal complaint alleges Butler told police about the incident. Butler told police he had been carrying the firearm concealed in his pants pocket, but had taken it out and was planning to secure it once inside a house, according to the complaint. He told police the victim asked to see the firearm, but while Butler was handing the firearm over, his finger was on the trigger, and he accidentally fired the gun, the complaint alleges. The firearm used in the incident was determined to be a black and purple .380 Ruger pistol, according to the complaint. According to the complaint, Butler is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2015 felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin in Harrison County. The shooting remains under investigation by Clarksburg Police Detective Sgt. J.M. Walsh and Detective Sgt. W.G. Swiger.

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