Story updated July 9
BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LENORE, W.Va. — A former Lovely, Kentucky, man was fatally shot early Friday morning at a residence in Lenore, West Virginia, authorities said.
The victim, Charles Speer, 42, of Kermit, West Virginia, was pronounced dead after the shooting, according to the West Virginia State Police (WVSP).
The alleged shooter was identified as David Hodge, 50, of Lenore.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. at Hodge’s home on State Route 65 between Lenore and Naugatuck.
Speer reportedly traveled to Hodge’s residence, where the two men engaged in a physical altercation before the shooting took place, police said.
Sgt. M.S. Lively stated that Speer sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to the Appalachian Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Family members of Speer said he was shot seven times.
Speer’s body has been sent to Frankfort, Kentucky, for an autopsy.
No charges have been filed in the case. The WVSP continues to investigate in collaboration with the Mingo County Prosecutor’s Office.
A longtime friend of Speer is raising funds for the memorial service. Andrew Gess of Lovely made a GoFundMe on Facebook.
Gess wrote: “Tragically, a life was cut short and the kids are left with trying to finance the memorial service. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting Charlie Speer could tell you that it would be hard to find another man so humble and loving. Please help if you can and as always, prayers are much welcomed for the loved ones as well. Thank you.”
Speer, the son of Charles “Big Eddie” Speer and Sherry Lynn Grace Moore, grew up in Martin County and graduated from Sheldon Clark High School. He was an employee of Blackhawk Mining.
He leaves behind his wife, Lindsey Preece Speer; children Kyler, Christopher, Cadence, Kieyle, Khloe, Keagan and Kash; granddaughter Scarlett; brother Jack Speer; and numerous family and friends who will miss him dearly, specifically friends Joe Muncy, Doug Houston and Andrew Gess.
Funeral services for Speer will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at Mullins Family Funeral Home in Warfield. Burial will follow at the Speer Cemetery on Collins Creek. Friends may visit the funeral home from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Original story below posted July 7 at 4:50 p.m.:
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
LENORE, W.Va. — A former Martin County, Kentucky, resident was fatally shot early Friday morning at a residence in Lenore, West Virginia, authorities said.
The victim, Charles Speer, 42, of Kermit, West Virginia, was pronounced dead after the shooting, according to the West Virginia State Police (WVSP).
The alleged shooter was identified as David Hodge, 50, of Lenore.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. at Hodge’s home on State Route 65 between Lenore and Naugatuck, police said.
Speer reportedly traveled to Hodge’s residence, where the two men engaged in a physical altercation before the shooting took place, police said.
Sgt. M.S. Lively stated that Speer sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to the Appalachian Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Family members of Speer said he was shot seven times.
Speer’s body has been sent to Frankfort, Kentucky, for an autopsy.
No charges have been filed in the case.
The WVSP continues to investigate the incident in collaboration with the Mingo County Prosecutor’s Office.
A longtime friend of Speer is raising funds for the memorial service. Andrew Gess of Lovely made a GoFundMe on Facebook.
Gess wrote: “Tragically, a life was cut short and the kids are left with trying to finance the memorial service. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting Charlie Speer could tell you that it would be hard to find another man so humble and loving. Please help if you can and as always, prayers are much welcomed for the loved ones as well. Thank you.”