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Morgan County Man To Stand Trial In Circuit Court On Triple Murder Charges

July 26th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

A Morgan County man will stand trial in circuit court after probable cause was found Monday to forward the case to the higher court, according to Morgan County Magistrate Court. The Cumberland Times News reports Erick David Shute, 32, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the fatal shootings of Jack Douglas, 49, of Great Cacapon; William Bartley, 49, and Bartley's son, Travis Bartley, 24, both of Hedgesville. The incident occurred June 13 near Gamble Road on Sideling HIll Mountain near Great Cacapon. The Morgan County Sheriff's Department reported the bodies of the victims were found on the ground near a pickup. All three were allegedly shot by Shute, who fired a rifle from behind a tree at a distance of 50 to 100 feet, investigators said. A fourth person who was present with the victims before they were shot reportedly walked away and dialed 911 for help. The shooting was apparently the result of an ongoing property dispute. A circuit court spokesman said Tuesday morning no date has been set for the case. Monday's hearing before Magistrate Kermit M. Ambrose reportedly lasted about one hour. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ray Boyce represented the state. Shute was represented by attorney Andrew Arnold of Charles Town. 

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