LINCOLN COUNTY W.Va. (Hinton News) – According to reports a “drive-by style” shooting occurred in Lincoln County on May 28. The West Virginia State Police released the following statement regarding the incident:
“On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Corporal. C.A. Lewis and Trooper. R.S. Clagg responded to a shooting at 25 Fez Creek, Branchland, Lincoln County West Virginia. The victim, Mr. Robert Morales, a 53-year-old male, had been struck in the hand in a drive-by style shooting at the intersection of WV RT. 10- and Nine-Mile Creek Road and was subsequently transported by EMS to St. Mary’s Hospital. The victim was able to provide a detailed description of the suspect vehicle, including the West Virginia registration number. Investigation led to the location of the vehicle at 10 Goldie Lane, Branchland, WV, where the vehicle was registered to Mr. Rodney Smith, a 19-year-old male, who was also the driver of the vehicle. Mr. Smith was arrested for conspiracy by the Troopers. The passenger of the vehicle was identified as Mr. Jacob Billups, a 22-year-old male. Warrants for the arrest of Mr. Billups for malicious wounding, wanton endangerment and conspiracy will be obtained by the investigating troopers today.”
