By Peggy Mackenzie
Police have arrested a Lewisburg woman on murder charges. Initially reported as a self-inflicted gun shot wound, Sgt. J. A. Vance with the Lewisburg Police Department filed a criminal complaint following a short investigation into the death of Shane “Bo” Hinkle, after physical evidence and testimonies weren’t lining up.
Brandy Marie Dawn Black, 20, of Lewisburg, has been charged with first degree murder for the death of her boyfriend, Hinkle, 23, also of Lewisburg.
Early Saturday morning on Jan. 3, officers responded to a call of a reported self-inflicted gun shot wound at 334 Church Street. Physical evidence at the scene and conflicting witness statements led officers to believe the death was suspicious, with motive appearing to be domestic related. Upon examination, the wound was found on the left side of the victim’s head, although he is said to be right handed. Residents in the house advised police that Black and Hinkle had been fighting around 3 a.m. that day, and that both had been engaged in “heavy” drug use.
Witnesses reported a loud noise was heard around 3:30 a.m., which was likely the gunshot, according to the criminal complaint. Ten to 30 minutes later, Black began screaming for help. Residents found Hinkle unresponsive and began performing CPR while 911 was called. Black appeared distraught, yet the police could see no tears fall from her eyes.
Sgt. J.A. Vance is the lead investigator in this case, assisted by Sgt. D.B. Eggleston and Patrolman J.T. Williams II, as well as members of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department.
Black remains lodged in the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver.