UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Fort Gay Murder
UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Fort Gay Murder Save Email Print
Posted: 7:26 PM Jan 7, 2009
 Last Updated: 7:51 AM Jan 8, 2009
 Reporter: Hanna Francis
Email Address: hanna.francis@wsaz.com
50 comments
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Update at 10 p.m.
WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Police got a call around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from the victim's father, who said he thought his son had been beaten to death.

When police and an EMS crew arrived, they found the body of Richard Boyes with a single gunshot wound to the head. It happened along Hewlett Road -- just off Big Sandy River Road in Wayne County.

When police were there, they got the name of Elmer Turner who was with the victim Tuesday night.

Turner voluntarily came into the sheriff's department Wednesday to give his statement. He said that he was drinking with the victim last night and that they had an argument.

At first, Turner said he blacked out and couldn't remember what happened. Shortly after that, he admitted that he had the gun in his hand when the bullet hit Boyes.

"He claims it was an accident, but there's enough information in our investigation, which leads me to believe it was more than an accident," said Wayne County Sheriff's Detective Chester Maynard.

Turner was arraigned Wednesday night in Wayne County and charged with murder. He was jailed without bond.


Original story
WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- An arrest has been made after a body was found in Wayne County.

Wayne County Sheriff's Detective Chester Maynard said the body was found around 10 a.m. Wednesday in a building under construction on Hewlett Road. That’s just off Big Sandy River Road near Fort Gay.

The original call was that a man was possibly beaten to death, but detectives tell us Richard Shane Boyes died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Witnesses gave the name of a possible person of interest who was with the victim last night. Deputies contacted Elmer Wesley Turner, and he voluntarily came in and gave statements. The statements provided led to probable cause to charge him with murder.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information as it becomes available.
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Posted by: courtney boyes on May 31, 2009 at 05:54 PM
i will never forget him !!! <3 and i want to thank all of those who showed at calling hours.. it meant alot to my family and i.
Posted by: Jim Varney Family on Mar 3, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Our family just recently heard the devastating news about Rich. To the Boyes Family, we are so saddened by this. No amount of words can heal the pain you have suffered, but all of you are in our prayers. Jim and Lisa Varney Lodi, OH
Posted by: chris collins on Jan 16, 2009 at 11:55 AM
well this past tuesday was hard,it was the last time we got to see richard but not how we wanted to see him.I think back on all the sweet memorys of rich,so many good times we had.One of my favorit times was him and i having a tolit paper fight with our kids,we fliped coffee tables and made baracades and went to war with them it was funny!!thoes kids were tuff but i think we took them...lol.we use to have alot of bon fires to and we would race his cars in the back feild...that was fun!!and when we didnt have nouthing to do we'd do it together.we worked together,we played together,we even lived together.it was never boring with rich around,he wouldnt let that happen!!we sang dumb songs together adding our own words ofcourse..lol rich had no fear and what ever made us laugh thats what we did!! i miss that so much.i have all theese great memorys of him and the things we would do and its the best,but it hurts to..the worst is staring at this card that says in memory of Richard Shane Boyes.
Posted by: Anna on Jan 15, 2009 at 09:24 PM
I will remember the time I got to spend with Richard Shane.He was an awesome guy!He will always hold a spot in my heart!Love you!
Posted by: Niki J Boyes on Jan 14, 2009 at 06:20 AM
I wanted to personally thank everyone for their love an support for our family during the veiwing.I knew it would be full,but the amount of people richard touched threwout his life was absolutly astonishing.Thankyou for all your payers and support.please continue to remember our family...
Posted by: Kelly on Jan 13, 2009 at 07:06 PM
I LOVE YOU ELMER!!! No matter what happened that will never change. I know that even this is was and accident that you must be feeling horrible about this. Guilt is a punishment all in it's own. I will be praying for you and your family as well as Richard's family. I pray that you will be able to find some peace with what has happened. I do know that you would not have done this intentionally in your right mind. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Posted by: Kathy (cousin) on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:37 AM
I cannot believe all these comments during a most tragic event for both families. No one will ever know the truth but GOD and the man that is still alive. Just pray for all involved! I'm sure that your horrible comments are not doing their families any good. God Bless the Boyes Family from Kathy Blanks (Buckingham)
Posted by: Mememe on Jan 11, 2009 at 06:24 PM
I just dont believe Elmer shot anyone much less Rich! There is more to this story,there is something Elmer isnt telling,other then this lie he is telling to cover something up for someone else.
Posted by: Anita on Jan 11, 2009 at 12:53 AM
I agree prayers goes to both broken famileys I know Elmer and love the family but it is best, losing a brother myself you have to go on and live and I hope both sides come out in GODS hand
Posted by: kimmi collins on Jan 10, 2009 at 11:37 PM
well...i guess that i will start off by saying i only knew one person that was like him he was definately unique but in his own good way:D the best thing that he left us was his 3 kids,codie,drake,and courtney boyes.i love them all! He will still be in are hearts,and are thoughts.i love him and his family as i love mine.those of you who did not know him dont judge him because if you did know him i know for sure you would love him as the rest of us who knew him did.there are so many memories i would never be able to write them all down.I only have good things to say for him.But let me get to the end of this its broke many hearts mine as well but i am always here for the family and will try to help them out in every single way that i possibly can.we love you rich!!
Posted by: Kids on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Nobody knows Rich like we do.We will miss our dad terribly and he was always there for us when we needed him even if he was in West Virginia its not fair someone took him from us no matter what the reason was we are sorry to the family of Elmer and the question concerning when/where viewing will be January 13th 5-8p.m. Murrays Funeral home Creston,Ohio.
Posted by: ken on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:15 PM
GOD BLESS YOU NIKI J BOYES it takes a special person to say what you just did May the LORD BLESS YOU!!
Posted by: Susan on Jan 10, 2009 at 06:31 PM
Shelley-thanks for the arrangement info. Glad he's coming here for services. We saw Richard last month. We parted w/smiles & a hug which is a wonderful memory. May God be with both families. We will be praying for both. :)
Posted by: Niki J. Boyes on Jan 10, 2009 at 06:25 PM
First and foremost I want to thank everyone who offered their prayers for the family,Second I want to offer my prayers to Elmer and his family.I am noone to judge and that will be up to God.Richard was my brother and always will be.I don't think anyone has any right to place a judgement when the only people who know what really happened is him,Richard and God.Its all confusing because Elmer was a good friend of the family till all this happened.Honestly,Even after this all,We will still not use the word hate against him or his family.Its Difficult for people to comprehend but it the way God wants it to be.We will NEVER forget Richard and he will be greatly missed.I personaly will always remember the good times I had with my Brother and the rest of my family..But my request for anyone who puts a comment on here,please consider that my family will be reading this and so will Elmers...Consider all our loses and have a heart.God have mercy and hear my prayers.I love you Richard!!!
Posted by: shelley on Jan 10, 2009 at 01:32 PM
FORT GAY, W.Va. -- Richard Shane Boyes, 33, of Fort Gay, W.Va., formerly of West Salem, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, in Fort Gay, W.Va. Friends may call Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 5-8 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston, with cremation to follow. Those who wish may make contributions to Murray Funeral Home, 173 S. Main St., Creston 44217, to help with final expenses. Richard was born March 27, 1975, in Barberton, the son of Robert and Geraldine (Buckingham) Boyes, and married Nicole Tanner on June 3, 1995. She survives. He had worked in construction and had made his home in the West Salem area most of his life. Surviving in addition to his wife, are children, Courtney, Codie and Drake, all of West Salem; his parents of Fort Gay, W.Va.; brothers, Robert A. Boyes of Fort Gay, W.Va., and Troy Boyes of Columbus; sisters, Tracy Laslie of Kentucky, and Niki Jo Boyes of Fort Gay, W.Va.; his grandmother, Marjorie Boyes of Creston; and aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded
Posted by: Susan on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Does anyone know the where/when of the funeral arrangements for Richard? Or what paper the obituary would be in? Please post.
Posted by: DAN NICHOLS on Jan 9, 2009 at 04:08 PM
THANK YOU TROY ALLEN FOR BEING A GOOD BROTHER TO RICHARD SHANE YOU TO BOBBY LIFE HAS NOT BEEN A BED OF ROSE FOR THE BOYES FAMILY,BUT A LOVING FAMILY THEY ARE I,ve know this family and have been part of it for 30 years let stop talking about beer and who! we dont know all the truth ,was someone there we dont know about? is Mr,Turner the fall guy ? it has hurt alot of familys ,a man can only work with his hand and heart ,I hope Richard kids understand that he loved them and his wife , the folks that knew rich love him he was but a man, dont you all judge him now god will! I feel sad for the lose in both familys ,I hope both familys get the whole truth out of this .I will miss you rich god bless
Posted by: J.... on Jan 9, 2009 at 03:25 PM
My heart and my prayers go out to both families. This is just an awful, tragic thing that has happened. I've known Elmer and Theresa for 12 yrs and just can't believe what has happened. I've known Elmer to be kindhearted, laidback, funny, a gentle person, not ever mean or malicious. I will be praying for BOTH families. Elmer & Theresa, I love you both and will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: ken on Jan 9, 2009 at 01:49 PM
first off i am sorry for the Boyes Family noone should ever be murdered This family will be in my prayers i didnt know this man but i have heard mixed thing things about him second to larry you never met Elmer yes he liked to drink but anytime you seen him he was smiling drunk or sober!!!!!So DONT JUDGE HIM LARRY we all need to let the stuff we are hearing influence us there is two sides to evey story i bet elmer feels aweful for this and would like to be able to change this there is more to this than the reports says lets all just see what else they release
Posted by: Larry on Jan 9, 2009 at 08:11 AM
I have never met someone who "is an alcoholic but a good man." While intoxicated, people make poor decisions, they are not themselves. If someone is an alcoholic they are usually intoxicated.
Posted by: Kelly on Jan 9, 2009 at 03:06 AM
For starters,I don't appreciate you people getting on here talking about Richard when you know nothing about him and you don't have the right. Richard was a really good person he would do anything to help anyone,and it is not right people getting on here saying things that they don't know what they are talking about. You don't know what happened down there,and you don't know what they were doing, so you shouldn't get on here and say they were fighting and drinking and whatever else you think happened. If you don't know what really went on you don't need to get on here and say things that hurt others. Because you need to realize that his family and friends are hurting and when they get on here and see the things that you are writing it really hurts so if you don't care keep things to yourself because you don't really know what happened. I know I was not there but people don't have the right to say anything because it is very disrespectful. Richard you are in my thoughts and prays.
Posted by: ronald turner on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:29 AM
I am the oldest of Elmer's four childern & my heart goes out to the Boyes family.This is truly a tradegy,but my father doesn't have murder in his heart.I can see dad getting in a fight;but he could NEVER kill anyone in cold blood.He is an alcoholic;but he is also a good man.Please don't let your anger cloud your judgement about Elmer.My prayers go out to anyone & everyone that is involved in this misunderstanding.
Posted by: Robertia on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:42 PM
I am a friend of Elmers wife and I also know Elmer they are very close and I feel so sorry for them .I think he is a great guy and a good grandfather that really loves his grandchildren..To the family of the victim I am sure your family member was just as dear to you.My thoughts and prayers go out to all...
Posted by: Patti C. on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I am so deeply saddened by this tragic event. How do you "accidently shoot someone in the head" and then walk off and leave him lay for hours, for someone else to find. Why would've he of not of called an ambulance in hopes to save his life. Richard leaves behind so many friends and family and 3 children that will always be affected by by this. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone, he will be so greatly missed. Richard, You always be in our thoughts each and every day, til we meet again, help keep watch over us and we all love you!
Posted by: TROY BOYES on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:00 PM
I WILL MISS MY BEST FRIEND AND BROTHER!SOMEONE TOOK MY BABY BROTHER,AND FOR WHAT REASON!HE TOOK A PART OF MY HEART THAT WILL BE SO HARD TO FILL!!!!!!!! I WILL ALWAYS MISS HIM.I HOPE COURTNY,CODEY,AND DRAKE WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT A GOOD MAN HE WAS.WHERE EVER HE WENT.HE LEFT AN IMPESSION.EVERYONE THAT KNOWS HIM LOVES HIM!SHAME ON THE SOB THAT HURT MY BABY BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: chris c on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:16 PM
i am a dear freind to richard and his family and their is no greater loss than this. richard was a good man and was always willing to help out his freinds and family,he would have gave the shirt off his back to help anyone.i and many others will miss him dearly and never forget him.he has brought so much happiness and laughter to all of us that knew him,we need more richards in the world today.we will always love you richard thank you for being in our lives,now walk with the lord my brother and we will meet again,we love you......
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:31 PM
ok if he only was like this when he was drunk THEN WHY DOES HE DRINK, come off it. where did he get the gun, and why was it on him. yeah your right so many questions not answered. and the true story not out. we probably heard the true story. 2 guys got in a drunken fight and one shot the other. sad sad sad. dont drink or do drugs and you wont have to answer any questions about anything like this.
Posted by: sister in law on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:46 PM
To all of you who didnt know Richard it is your loss. He is my brother in law and now he is not here because of Elmer! Now Richards kids do not have him and neither do we, but Elmers friends and family can at least go and see him! If we want to see Richard we have to go to his grave site! So to let you all know I hope that Elmer sits in prison for the rest of his life for what he has done to my family!!!!!
Posted by: not blinded on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:43 PM
So, Elmer didn't allow pills in his house, but Eric never brought them there. Yeah, right. Get real! You are delusional.
Posted by: get the facts on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:27 PM
this comment is for "someone close" who says Elmer wasn't drinking that night. Please read HIS statement, he says he was.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:13 PM
For Jim...it was actually four people that lost their lives to a drunk driver,and to you people who say he's not the type,it is obvious that he is or this man woudn't be dead...My prayers are with the victims family
Posted by: ????????????? on Jan 8, 2009 at 12:25 PM
ANYONE WHO KNEW ELMER KNEW HE DID NOT TAKE DRUGS AND DID NOT WHAT SO EVER ADUSE PILLS LIKE MOST OF YOU ARE SAYING... HE MIGHT HAD DRANK EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE BUT FAR AS PILLS AND ALL THAT STUPID STUFF THAT IS ONE THING THAT ELMER DID NOT DO AND DID NOT ALLOW IN HIS HOUSE..... I KNOW THAT FOR A FACT.......
Posted by: lynn on Jan 8, 2009 at 12:17 PM
many suffer because of drug use alcohol is a drug it happens to be legal it is a shame for both families but accident or not if you know after years of drinking you can not control yourself after you start then it is your responsability to find a way to control your problem .
Posted by: jeremy on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:54 AM
IVE KNOWN ELMERS FAMILY AND HIM FOR AWHILE NOW AND IN NO WAY WAS THIS INTENTIONAL THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE AND HE WAS ONE OF THE NICEST PEOPLE YOU WOULD EVER MEET
Posted by: someone close on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I just want to let everyone know Elmer is one of the best people that you can meet and he is not a violent person. We dont know what happened up there and we may never know. But know this Elmer didnt't do this on purpose. He does not take drugs he does drink but was not drunk when this happened. And people in this community need to get facts straight first before repeating gossip and adding to it. Two seperate familys have been hurt in this matter and they don't need other people telling stuff thats not there. MY thoughts and prayers is with both familys.
Posted by: ...??? on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:15 AM
This is crazy, this madness has to stop. Fort Gay is going down. that's 2 killings in one week. We need to do something about this. Maybe if they took out those two bars, this town wouldn't be so filled with drug heads & alcoholics.
Posted by: hope on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:20 AM
i knew rich and his family he was a good person he didn't deserve to be killed..my prayers are for his family....
Posted by: ??? on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:16 AM
anyone know what time Elmer will go to court today?
Posted by: ???? on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:59 AM
It is a shame that this event took place and destroying a lot of family members. I don't know Elmer, however I do know that Shane is leaving behind a wonderful family. My love and prayers go out to them now to his wife, kids, parent and other siblings that are taking this real hard. At least Elmer is still breathing and can talk to his family...
Posted by: Ryan on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Oh my gosh.Hannah Francis is a reporter...That is crazy..if you get this Congrats.... Ryan Johnson
Posted by: ????? on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:39 PM
I also wish someone would tell the whole story.. I have known Elmer for many years also and he is not the type of person to just kill someone for no reason...
Posted by: Ft.Gay Resident on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:33 PM
I have known Elmer for many years he would not murder anyone intentionally.. Elmer is a good guy and has never came cross the type of person who would kill someone and mean to do it.....
Posted by: Jim on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:26 PM
Would this had happened if the man wasn't drunk? NO. People that know him would tell you he wasn't violent. All my sympathy goes to the families that will forever be changed thanks to the number 1 legal drug across the land. How many more families have to be destroyed to alcohol. Wasn't long ago when three innocent people got murdered by a drunk driver. I read the comments on this website about all these drug busts, but no cares that you can legally go buy as much alcohol that you carry and drink till you can't walk or drive. Drive by any bar around 5:00 pm and see how many cars are there. Do you think they are only drinking one or two drinks? By the time they leave they are more than legally drunk. But, since taxes are paid and our government is getting some cash they don't care. How many more have to die to this poison? And for anyone who thinks this is an isolated incident WAKE UP. Where is the public outcry for this drug.
Posted by: ron on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Should the detective really be talking to the media about an ongoing investigation? Seems like this could taint a potential jury.
Posted by: ummmm...... on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:16 PM
so your hating on david pennington, i have no dave my whole life he was a fine sheriff your the first person i've heard to doubt him
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:16 PM
people you have known for many years can fool you. It has happened to me. But I hope you are right for your sake. sorry
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:14 PM
when are they gonna get rid of these doctors or clinics who is one of the causes of these drug infested communities causing people to murder over drugs. yes it was over drugs why else would someone just murder someone for no reason.way to go government let these doctors and clinics get away with it and blame it on the people who are addicted. i'm writing the president about this maybe he will try to do something about them. stop the doctors and this kind of stuff will slow down some. geesh. why does it always have to come to this.
Posted by: Ann on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:40 PM
Its sad to say but it sounds drug related to me... It just keeps getting worse all the time..
Posted by: anne on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:38 PM
i knew rich an he was a good man he didnt deserve to get shoot i hope they put away who did it for life
Posted by: ???????? on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:12 PM
i wish someone would release some details about this i have known ELMER for a while i dont think he would have done this. I hope this Wayne county sheriff is better than the last one he was a joke!!!!!
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