On Monday, Nov. 17, deputies with the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim within the City of Rainelle. Initial information provided to the Greenbrier County 911 Center indicated that an unknown suspect had shot the victim while he was walking through town.
Within minutes, members of the Sheriff’s Department and White Sulphur Springs EMS arrived on scene. Individuals present again reported that the victim, John Lafferty of Rainelle, had been shot by an unknown person while walking in town. EMS personnel quickly began medical treatment and transported the victim to a medical facility for further care.
During the course of the initial on-scene investigation, deputies were able to determine that the earlier reports of an unknown assailant were false. Deputies located a firearm believed to be involved in the incident and identified only two individuals who appeared to be directly involved: the victim and his reported girlfriend, who was present at the scene. After locating the weapon and determining there was no additional threat, deputies notified dispatch that no danger to the public existed.
As a result of the incident, one adult male was transported to a trauma center for treatment of his injuries. One adult female, Stephanie Bennett of Rainelle, was taken into custody and charged with malicious assault in connection with the shooting. She was transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment in Greenbrier County Magistrate Court.
This matter remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department.
