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UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Former MU Player's Murder Save Email Print
Posted: 7:28 PM Jul 5, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:23 PM Jul 15, 2008
 Reporter: Susan Nicholas
Email Address: susan.nicholas@wsaz.com
166 comments Photos Map
A | A | A

UPDATE SUNDAY @ 4:13pm
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Huntington Police have arrested and charged Jerel Garner in the fatal shooting of former Marshall University football player Donte Newsome outside a night club.

Police Chief Skip Holbrook tells WSAZ that officers arrested Jerel Garner immediately after he was released from St. Mary's Medical Center Sunday afternoon.

Garner is charged with first degree murder. He has already been arraigned. He's in the Western Regional Jail.

His preliminary hearing is set for July 16.

Garner is accused of fatally shooting Donte Newsome around 3 a.m. Saturday morning in front of the dance club Fluid.

Chief Holbrook says this is an ongoing investigation. He says detectives think another person was also involved in the shooting.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.


SATURDAY STORY/UPDATES
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- WSAZ has confirmed that the victim of an early morning shooting was a former football player for Marshall University.

A detective with the Huntington Police Department tells us Donte Newsome died and two other people were injured after a shooting. It happened about 3 a.m. Saturday morning on 4th avenue right in front of the dance club Fluid.

Police tell us they are close to arresting a man in connection to the shootings.

Newsome was 25 years old. WSAZ sports reporter, John Mulvaney says Newsome played for Marshall in 2005. He also played for the Huntington Heroes. Newsome was a rookie this year (2007 season) on the Amarillo Dusters of the Arena Football League.

Friends of Newsome have started a group on Facebook.com in remembrance of him where you can add comments and view photos.

Cheif Skip Holbrook told us former Marshall player Curtis Keyes, 24, and Jerel Garner, 28 of Kanawha County, were the other victims. They do tell us their injuries don't appear to be life threatening.

If you have information that can help police they would like you to call. You don't have to give your name, just your information.
The number to call is: 304-696-5510.

We’ll keep you updated as information becomes available. Keep clicking on WSAZ.com.

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Posted by: Responsible on Jul 21, 2008 at 11:32 PM
FOR GOD SAKES PEOPLE STOP PUTTING BLAME ON A CLUB AND PUT RESPONSIBILTY ON THE ONE'S WHO DID THIS. IT BURNS ME UP TO SEE SOME OF THESE PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE ESTABLISHMENT SUCH AS FLUID AND DON'T TALK ABOUT ANY OTHER PLACE WHERE THERE HAS BEEN MORE CRIME. I DON'T HEAR ANYONE COMPLAINING ABOUT BW3....I CAN'T TAKE A DATE INTO BW3 WITHOUT HAVING SOME THUG ACTING A FOOL AND EVEN DEALING DRUGS FROM A BOOTH ACROSS FROM US. ENVY AND ICON HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT KILLS ME TO SEE THE REPORTER CAN BE SO JUDGEMENTAL AND SAY THAT THE SHOOTING IN FRONT OF THE COURT HOUSE A FEW MONTHS AGO WAS FLUIDS RESPONSIBILITY CAUSE IT WAS A BLOCK AWAY FROM WHERE IT HAPPENED. BW3 IS JUST ACROSS THE STREET AND ENVY AND ICON ARE A HALF A BLOCK FROM THE COURT HOUSE.....MMMMMMM. I SEE A PATTERN HERE. WHEN IS THE NEWS GOING TO DO A STORY ON HOW THE MAYOR WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE RISING MURDERS AROUND TOWN DUE TO DRUGS OR HOW COME WE HAVN'T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THAT POOR GIRL THAT WAS MURDERED LAST DECEMBER.
Posted by: Chase on Jul 18, 2008 at 03:18 PM
To Teammate/Friend: The fact is someone shot Jerel am I to believe it was some random person that wasnt involved that decided to help and just happened to have a gun drawn? You are ignorant and just as big a liar as Curtis. Im sorry for Dontae but he should have choose his frineds better. And him and that bunch have jumped more than a few people in Huntington Night Clubs I've witnessed it. Jerel has never fought anyone in this town or shot at anyone in his life before this the truth will come out no matter how much they try to conceal it. This was Self-Defense! Look up the Redmond Act!
Posted by: ILLEGALLY OPEN! on Jul 16, 2008 at 12:39 PM
THIS COULD ALL HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IS THE CITY AND STATE DID THERE JOBS. FLUID DID NOT HAVE AN ACTIVE LICENSES WHEN THE SHOOTING HAPPEND OUTSIDE THE CLUB, HENCE THE REASON THERE ARE CLOSED STILL TO THIS DAY (NO LISCENSE). IF THE OWNERS CARED SO MUCH THEN FOLLOW THE RULES, THEY SHOULD NOT BEEN OPEN. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL INVOLVED.
Posted by: Mike C. on Jul 15, 2008 at 07:28 PM
This is directed to "tired of thugs"! Just because someone goes to a club or dresses a certain way does not mean he or she is a so called thug. Look at all of the crooked, rich, politicians, dressing in suits and expensive clothes. Look at how the drug lords dress and push poison. I just wanted to let you know that just because someone goes to a club and chooses to dress a certain way means nothing. Stop the stereotypical comments and take a look at the big picture. The thugs are the ones wearing the suits and lying to us all for their monetary gain. Donte you will be missed!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 14, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I use to go to this bar a lot.After seeing someone get stabbed in a large group of people and their was not enough bouncers to take care of the problem the police had to handle it.The club was closed down early.There is to many people in club that should not be there and no one is doing anything about it.As long as it is packed from door to door there is going to be people get killed.Huntington is not a safe place to go out and have a good time anymore.Police do drive through this area a lot but to many people to watch.
Posted by: At a loss on Jul 9, 2008 at 02:13 AM
We're all at a loss ya'll. My prayers are with everyone involved. I've known Jerel for 8 years and have never known him to fight or beef with anyone. When I heard Donte was shot, I was shocked. When I heard Jerel was shot, I was shocked, (we got the call late Saturday night) but in no way did I think the shootings were related. As a matter of fact, I was convinced Jerel was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He has never been known to anyone that knows him to even have a temper. One of my best friends in college dated him for 3 or 4 years so I knew the kid. I'm just reading all these comments, knowing Jerel, knowing a huge part of him died with Donte. (Who I didn't really know but I send all my love to his family.) Jerel I haven't lost my faith in you. I know some folks won't appreciate that but I wasn't there Saturday night, I'm not condoning what happened but I wanted everyone to know that it's completly out of Jerel Garner's character. That's coming from someone who knows him.
Posted by: TEAMMATE/FRIEND on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:47 PM
To: Yall Wack were you there that night? No i didn't think so. So take your own advice an get the facts straight before you write a comment! Facts are that the ran a test gun trace test on Donte, Curtis and Jerel and guess who was the only one to test positive? The person your trying to defend Jerel. So what does that mean? He was the one shooting and they were unarmed, i hope they throw the book at him! Because it wasnt self defense he was leaving and stop after he could have been gone and started to shoot. He made that stupid decision to stop an go back if he would have left we probably wouldn't be going through this right now, so stop trying to defend a kill who needs to be off the streets! He made the choice to pull out a gun, no man in my eyes just a punk! R.I.P Donte aka Tae with love!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I would like to add that the vigil was more than likely outside of Fluid b/c that was where he was killed!!!! Duh!!!!!!
Posted by: To: Concerned on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:21 PM
I'm a frequent patron of Huntington bars. I have been for many years. Yet I've managed to never get shot, or get in any kind of fight for that matter. Please stop blaming objects for the actions of individuals. Remember, they tried prohibition once, it was a huge failure! The man (or woman) who cannot control their actions is not a man or woman, but a beast.
Posted by: great on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Getting rid of trailer parks in Huntington would only make wal mart less crowded the first of the month. Dumb idea. As i mentioned earlier getting rid of the projects would eleminate the violence. Also i stated earlier that we should just remove Huntington itself. Then we would live like a "Walgreens commercial". It's elementary my dear.
Posted by: Ashley on Jul 8, 2008 at 02:42 PM
To: projects?? on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM. I'm pretty sure that trailor parks are unlawful within the city limits of Huntington. I'm almost positive of this. The projects are an eye sore and a hot bed of all that is wrong with Huntington. I'm not naive, I know things happen in other locations throughout the city. However, it does seem that the crime rate is significantly higher the closer you get to the "projects". Coincidence? I think not!
Posted by: ...So stupid. ya'll need to get a life! on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Quit putting blame on the bar. It was a person not the bar who was in the wrong. And for the people who want bars and clubs closed down, where do you want people to hang out and have a good time at? In their house next door to you, then you'd complain about the noise level. If you don't like or agree with the clubs or bars being open, then don't go to them and stay away from them. Shut up and let the young live. Just because someone does something wrong the entire town should NOT be punished. Six months ago Fluid was still fluid not the Monkey bar.
Posted by: Grown Up on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Come people need to be responsible for thier own actions. It's not like the bar asked for this to happen. I'm sure everyone there would have preferred it not to happen. Stop blaming the state and the gov and everyone else. It's the shooters fault. He can't control his anger. And your helping that by constantly looking for other reasons. He did it and that's it. End of story and now he's going to trail. People in this day and age really need to take responsibility for themselves and stop trying to blame everyone else. Stop letting excuses for these horrible actions be ok. It's like you can except it better if you know why they did it. But you can't. Bad things happen and bad people do those things maybe they were miss guided but what happpend to the day WHEN PEPOPLE WERE RESONSIBLE FOR THIER OWN ACTIONS. Grow UP
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Can we have another update PLEASE?!?!?!?!?!?!
Posted by: A Friend on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I don't understand how someone could assume anything about anyone without knowing them. Don't judge a book by its cover. I knew Donte and spent quite a bit of time with him. He was the most level headed person I have meet. I can still see his beautiful smile and his jokes. I can't imagine what he could have done to provoke the shooter nor do I believe it. I am still in shock. I hope the shooter gets max punishment, because nothing said or done is worth the life of someone. My prayers go out to his entire family. Tae you were truely a good friend, father, teammate and person. I love you and you will forever be in my heart. Rest In Peace.
Posted by: Complaints on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Does no one else have anything better to do than say negative things about this situation? Why can't you thank your lucky stars that you live and breathe another day instead of trying to belittle a deceased person's family's wishes as to where they wanted to have the candlelight vigil. Were you there to pay respect to the family? Probably not. Have you ever lost someone and had a situation as this? Probably not... bc if so you would probably refrain from the negative things you have to say and just say "It's really bad that this happened to this kid and his family and his fiancee and his friends" instead of concocting some dramatic array of pessimism to make yourself feel better. Nice. I can't wait to hear all the asinine things people come up with to say if something like this ever happens to me or someone I love... but then again... someone loves me enough not to say things like that.
Posted by: Yall Wack..... on Jul 7, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Were you there do you know 100% that you have the facts straight? Because since you think you know everything then you need to speak with the police not wsaz.com.
Posted by: PLEASE READ on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
This is a very sad situation, but it would not have happened if the city and the state would work together. This bar was open the weekend of the shooting of Dante Newson illegally. The bar should not have even been open. If the state and city employees that monitor bars and nightclubs would have been doing there job and making sure that this business wasnt open, then this young man would still be alive. The bar should be closed down. I live right around the corner and there is always police there and its not because they are there at the end of the night running off the crowd. It is all night long, since they have been open. When it was the monkey bar, they had a shooting inside. IT HAS THE SAME OWNERS. Why did a bar that had a shooting inside 6 months ago, still open. Just because they changed the name. Like I said, they shouldnt have been open, because they didnt even have the correct licenses. Do the job that your paid for ABCC and CITY OF HUNTINGTON.
Posted by: K on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:12 PM
First and foremost I would like to send my condolences to the friends and family of Donte. Secondly, I would like to thank Fluid Nightclub for getting together with Donte's family on such short notice to get everyone together to pay our respects and send massive love to his family. The candlelight vigil was most appropriate and a perfect way for his family to get a sense of how much love Donte had projected to him. Lastly, I would like to object to any comments people are making against the bar scene. These crimes do not occur JUST there. He could have been standing inside TACO BELL apparently and this may have happened as well. The bar is there so that people have a social outlet where they should be responsible enough and intelligent enough to go and be with their peers and have a good time. When everyone puts aside the anger and lets it all go, like Dante's father said, you would see that it would make all the difference in the world. Think about that next time you go out in public.
Posted by: tired of thugs on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:48 PM
A candlelight ceremony outside of the bar? Get real people. That has to be the craziest thing I've ever heard. It shows what type of people he hung with. Good people would have done things a little more respectful. Thugs and junkies do things the only way they know how. Sad to say but you just can't teach and old "dawg" new tricks. Now somebody will try to make some stupid rap song with those words turned int lyrics.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Yea H-Town is just a bad place to go anymore. Their is either someone getting killed,shot,stabed,or something of that nature. If it's not that then their robbing a gas station, breaking into someones vehical, or robbing a pharmacy for drug money or drugs them self. I hope that one of these days that HPD can get that town under control. The only thing that is keeping that town from going under is the two hospitals and MU. (My thoughts and prayers are with Dontes family and friends)
Posted by: don on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:28 PM
WHAT IS A ""COWHERD????"
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:05 PM
it doesnt matter if he is that kind of guy or not. He shot someone. and took a life of a young man. who had a career in football. He took someones life so he should spend the rest of his in jail
Posted by: anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM
im sure that whatever donte did it wasnt worth his life. that was a dumb comment. an i do not know why people are trying to defend a MURDERER!!!!
Posted by: projects?? on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM
For all the people with the comments about taking out the projects, come on and get a life! How bout let's get rid of all the trailer parks in Huntington and maybe we wouldn't have so many ignorant people in Huntington...Donte was a great person and my he rest in peace!!
Posted by: Tim on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:44 PM
WOW Fluid had a Fight!! Whats new? Every weekend they have a fight but this one ended up in a death. Police do something about that bar before this happens again!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:25 PM
prayers 2 the family of donte but i kno jerel he not that kind of guy we have 2 think about what donte did 2 make him do that
Posted by: anon on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:12 PM
There is not a fight every weekend shows how much you know and how you people live for the drama and other peoples business
Posted by: Yall wack on Jul 7, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Yo you guys really dont have the facts straight and it would be nice if you would do so. Garner def did not shoot himself in the foot. Poor Donte, RIP, was not innocent in the situation at all. Also, garner is prolly gonna get off with a slap on the wrist becuase it was self defense. there are alot of witnesses that say they saw Donte and Curtis and a couple of more guys trying to get at Jeril while he was trying to flee. And Donte was not shot until after Jerial was shot. And thats a FACT. Jerial was not a Thug! My prayers are with Dontes family.
Posted by: CONCERNED on Jul 7, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Nothing good ever becomes of going out to clubs or bars. Most of the patrons to these establishments are Marshall students,which makes the majority of them under 21. The ABCC should monitor underage drinking better and the police could set up numerous DUI checkpoints on 3rd,4th and 5th avenues every Friday and Saturday night and most of theses establishments would have to close there doors due to lack of business.
Posted by: anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:58 PM
this has nothing to do with where, or the school they used to go to. The fact is that Huntington is getting bigger, and more dangerous. I recently went on a trip, and couldn't wait to get back home to Huntington. Huntington is a wonderful place, we just need to understand that its got more crime now. More than ever. So, just be careful. My prayers are with the families. RIP
Posted by: TO JOE on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:32 PM
hey JOE keep those dumb comments to yourself, you didnt even know him so dont judge him by a grill, you worry me with those ignorant comments
Posted by: terry (bouncer) on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:30 PM
im not quite understanding the whole shutting down bars talk do you realize how stupid u sound its a college town dummy kidsgo to school for an education and to party.close one bar and those same trouble makers go to the next close them all and what?youll prob have a shooting at a frat house cause thats the next closest pary then what do we do?exactly!people only we can control ourselves its up to us to walk awy or let sensless things slide and not want to shoot or fight everytime someone bumps or steps on your shoe.
Posted by: terry (bouncer) on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:10 PM
first off i see alot of ignorant comments from people whos for one never ran nor worked in a night club lived in the projectcs or knew mr newsome as i have all 3.first off rest in peace tae a man i didnt chill or hang with but aman id pass on the streets once a week or would come in whatever bar id be employed in at the time as a bouncer never no problems dressed in suspenders a dress shirt and designer shoes at most.always a yes sir and a super happy friendly guy never no problems grill or not to you judgemental idiots.when the owners of fluid make all employess stay for meeting that run til 5 a.m in the morning discussing crowd control and how to remove an unruly customer in a peaceful non violent manner dnt tell me they dont care about people its not about only money iv worked bar since 1995 and fluid is prob the most crowd curtious or oreiented bar iv worked for.were tought removal without confrontation because we do value all our customers safty and well being.
Posted by: To Great on Jul 7, 2008 at 11:09 AM
It's people like you that perpetuate incorrect stereotypes which just further hurt our communities. I know for a fact that the housing projects are probably safer than some other areas of the city. They work very hard to assure the safety of law abiding residents. When a resident dose break the law..they are evicted. Do your homework before you start pointing a finger in a direction you probably know nothing about. Doing away with low income housing is not the answer to this problem. A community taking responsibility is the only answer.
Posted by: Shelly on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:22 AM
God Bless him and all who knew him. My prayers are with everyone involved. It really breaks my heart at how easey it is for people to use fatal violence to solve problems which are more often than not very trivial. What happened to taking a deep breath and getting things into perspective. Now two lives are perminatly changed. May God forgive the killer.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:41 AM
This is just SO sad. Lives are taken so easily these days! One slit second og anger takes someones life forever. And truthfully, it has taken more than one life. Is it really worth you priide too kill someone. To take someones's father & son away?? It isn't JUST Huntington, it is the generation of this youth 2day! I myself am almost 27yrs old & I am terrified of the 18yr.olds b/c they don't care for LIFE!!! I am ascared to raise my kids ANYWHERE!!! You can't get away from ignorace!! GOD bless you DONTE!!! My prayers go out to your family!
Posted by: Question to Great on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Great, what are you talking about in referring to this death?
Posted by: Janet on Jul 7, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I drove by there this morning on my way home from work, and poor Donte's blood still stains the street. He didn't deserve to die like this. For absolutely nothing. Jerel, whatever punishment you get, it will NEVER be enough. NEVER!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:17 AM
this is a tragedy!! was there no police officers patrolling that area. i mean i would think if at 3 am there is people leaving a club the police should be patrolling the area in case of situations like this. my heart and prayers go out to all families involved , especially those of the victim. we as a community need to come together and try to figure out how to make our streets safer.
Posted by: tojoe on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:08 AM
joe you need to take it easy on the grill comment, you obviously did not know this young man. donte was a smiling person if you ever did see one and made everyone else smile around him...that grill of his WOULD light up a room and now it will be the light that guides his family and friends through this tragedy.. smile on tae and drink a blue moon for me up there.
Posted by: cowherd on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:56 AM
these people think they are "hardcore" with their guns...put up your fists and fight like a man you cowherds
Posted by: Just A Girl on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:52 AM
THIS IS WHAT A LIFE OF SIN LEADS TO! For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
Posted by: J on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Mr. Jerel Garner, the shooter, in all his infinate wisdom and thug intelligence, shot his stupid self in the foot. That's why HE was there. I cannot even stomach the fact that Dontae was done in by this stupid, stupid, thug.
Posted by: Kathy on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:53 PM
I just want the family to know that I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. My heartfelt prayers are with you at this time. He was a fabulous athlete and person too. God Bless.
Posted by: great on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:45 PM
I say anohter problem is the housing projects in huntington. I know i know other places have these, but if you remember early in the 90's Chicagos projects were impassable. Lets play follow the leader and take them out. Just some mroe rational points that i think would help
Posted by: That Girl on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:23 PM
My heart goes out to Donte's family. I think its sad that were not able to go and have a fun night without wondering whats going to happen...Great Job HPD keep up the good work!
Posted by: Amy on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:00 PM
First of All, we all should be praying for Donte's family and friends. It's sad that someone so young has lost his life. And to all who keep saying Marshall Football players this and Marshall Football player's that, a tid bit of information, Donte was 25 years old and hasn't played for the Herd since 2005. Him being a FORMER Marshall Football Player has NOTHING to do with this situation. This town always finds someone or something to blame. I'm sure you weren't saying anything about him when he was scoring touchdown's for the HERD. Get a life and realize what is important in life.
Posted by: BOOGER on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:00 PM
yo peter the reason garner was in the hospital was because he was having a papsmear. HE WAS SHOT DAAAA
Posted by: dude on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:55 PM
why dont H P D let it be known who they lookin for he might have a not so loyal buddy
Posted by: Beth on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:49 PM
To lives downtown, get an education. If your going to talk about things you don't know about at least spell check.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:48 PM
huntington is just getting to be a very bad place to go. it's every time you turn around some one is getting shot or some kind of crime is going on. You can't even take your family down their and have fun with out being scared of your life or your vehicle getting broken into! It's just and all around bad place to go if you know what i mean!!!!
Posted by: scared crapless on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:41 PM
if the police wants the publics help then they should let it be known who they are looking for that way if a neighbor or an aquaintance spot this person we can let the police know where they are. lets face it H P D has not had a lot of luck in solving murders
Posted by: Chick on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:32 PM
In the video they say that Jerel was in the hospital because he was shot also. WHo shot him, did he shoot himself? WSAZ can you help us understand what happened a little more clearer?
Posted by: MU STUDENT on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:17 PM
To Joker- They do have metal detectors at Fluid... for the GUYS to walk through! They go off everytime a guy walks through it... the bouncer feels his pockets then lets him go! Females take in purses and they aren't even checked!!! If someone wants to get it in, hand it to a female. And of course all clubs have signs saying they enforce a dress code. But do they? No! I was at Fluid a couple weeks ago when someone got pepper spray inside and sprayed it. Club owners do NOT care what goes inside as long as they make their money!! This is absurd that in a college town I can't go out and enjoy a night without the fear of being shot. I should be able to experience a nice night at a club without all the trouble. Fluid should be shut down and the owners should not be allowed to own another bar in Huntington.
Posted by: JC on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:58 PM
As part of a obtaining a Bar license, these owners should be required to pay for police security, not security officers, but police, to be present at their bars. This is one way to stop these types of situations. If there were some cops around that place, I really doubt the guy would have waited outside for this to even happen. Each bar should be required to have a certain amount of officers on site according to the amount of patrons. Hey, owners could have a cover charge at each bar to help pay the officers, I don't care. It would boost business if people felt safe, more college kids, more money spent at the bars and downtown businesses, either way, police being present would curb alot of fighting, shootings, over-drinking, drugs and drug deals, etc., all of our concerns about the bar scenes. You can't blame football players, there are just as many people who didn't play football that are fighting. You can't rid the town of bars. We need more police and we need them everywhere.
Posted by: Joe on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:57 PM
I read these comments about smiling down with a grill. Some one lost their life and innocent people could have been hurt. This is not a da%$ rap video. People's ignorance in this country worry me.
Posted by: Chick on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:44 PM
KUDOS TO HPD FOR GETTING ANOTHER NO GOOD THUG OFF OUR STREETS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! RIP DONTE!
Posted by: Brian on Jul 6, 2008 at 08:55 PM
to Peter on Jul 6, 2008 at 05:46 PM Word on the street say he was shot, also. So the question is how many guns were used, who had them and who shot Jerel, was it before he shot Newsome or after? Did he shot himself? It's one of those things that HPD will probably not clarify.
Posted by: Why not here? on Jul 6, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Larger cities have undercover police out afterr dark walking their downtown areas. HINT HINT HUNTINGTON. [The story did not say why the shooter was in a hospital.]
Posted by: Bteth on Jul 6, 2008 at 08:38 PM
I agree with Kate. A man lost his life and another will probably go to prison for the rest of his. Lets stop arguing and focus our attention on the things that really matter. I hope all the family and friends involved find peace in this tragic time. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. XOXO
Posted by: Kelley on Jul 6, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Im tired of people talking about BLACK crime in Huntington, Western Regional Jail lockes up about 25 people every single day ( I check ) on average 1 or 2 are black. if you dont belive me, all you have to do is check it yourself. Crime is crime, It just seems black people make the news more. Check your facts before you rant. as of 8:03 today the count is 18 white 2 black.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 07:41 PM
i hate to hear that another murder has happened in huntington. my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. seriously people, if you don't do something about it...the university is going to suffer and then what will be left in that town? i transferred schools because huntington is just not a safe environment to be in.
Posted by: G-Mun on Jul 6, 2008 at 07:30 PM
TO DAVE: Fluid does not have control over their crowd because I have been in there when they (bouncers and management) were getting their butts kicked by who I know were Marshall football players. I know MU f-ball players still come in the club. They need to ban them from the club. So, NO they do not have control over their crowd. They constantly have problems from that club. In addition, I never said the shooting took place inside the club like you made it appear. I am more than aware of where the shooting took place. Furthermore, what is the correlation between having control of a crowd and providing assistance to an injured human being. Those are two totally different issues. You made no sense there DAVE! In closing, I am G-Mun not G-Man (like you posted) so the only one that needs to get their facts straight is YOU DAVE!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 07:12 PM
My prayers fo out to the victims family and friends. God Bless all of you and I hope everything works out for all of you
Posted by: CHECK THE FACTS on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:59 PM
These Clubs can be shut down because of violence and underage drinking. Fluid has been caught with underage drinking and has had many incidents of violence. The mayor needs to make this bar a public nuisance. This is rediculace. Someone gets shot not even a block from that bar last week. A girl gets abducted leave Fluid a couple months ago, while walking to her car. Numerous fights every weekend. The clubs doors have gotten the glass broken out of them more than once, because of fights. And now a young man loses his life directly in front of the club FLUID. Mayor, HPD, ABCC (DALLAS STAPLES) AND local Magistrates, straighten up. Evaluate this place and do the correct thing. Thank You. And we pray for this young man and his family.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Someone do some research, I also live close to the club, and I can think of many nights seeing voilence in front of Fluid and hearing gunshots.
Posted by: Check The Facts on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:50 PM
This is a very sad situation. No one deserves to have there life taken away. But the sad fact is, we need to check the facts of the nightclubs in Huntington and do something about them. There are some clubs that you never hear anything about. Then there is FLUID. I think they have only been open for a 4 or 5 months. And I had a HPD officer tell me, that they have calls there every night they are open. He said there are always fights, disturbance outside and inside the bar. The bouncers have pepper sprayed people inside the bar. They have had fights that they cannot control and have to lock everyone inside the bar, which if very unsafe. You can check the 911 records and look at the police calls to this club, they will show the facts. There needs to be a news story about this. And ALSO, the ABCC (LIQUOR COMMISSION) needs to take resposibility for these crimes. Because if they were doing there job. These clubs would not exist. The clubs can be shut down for violence and
Posted by: Joker on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Maybe if all of these clubs would install metal detectors at the doors and put clothing restrictions on people entering. No baggy,saggy,loose clothing,bandanas or any other thug related garbage, you would get the trouble out of the bars. This is a college town, your going to have bars, just make them safer.
Posted by: great on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:07 PM
I say blow Huntington off of the map, rebuild, and call it Barboursville. The pure asininity of all of this is rediculous. I Think we should enact a curfew. This would certainly halt the violence here. Wish we could do this .
Posted by: Peter on Jul 6, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Why was Jerel in the hospital ?
Posted by: shocked on Jul 6, 2008 at 05:35 PM
dude, i went to school with jerel. never did i think he would do something like this.
Posted by: Raven on Jul 6, 2008 at 05:07 PM
We take the time to write our comments.Please take the time to write,call your Congressmen,Senators,Gov.Ect Ect Ect- Voice your concerns to them for if we dont get these Laws Changed this is going to continue. spres@mail.wvnet.edu rockefeller.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm byrd.senate.gov/byrd_email.html Speaker.Thompson@verizon.net CongressmanMollohan@mail.house.gov. Representative Shelley Moore Capito DC Phone: 202-225-2711 The Honorable Nick Joe Rahall, II DC Phone: 202-225-3452 Contact the Governor 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, E., Charleston, WV 25305 Toll-Free: 1-888-438-2731 | Email: Governor@WVGov.org PLEASE CONTACT THEM VOICE YOUR CONCERNS OVER THE RECENT VIOLENCE IN OUR STATE.The Drugs on every street corner.My Prayers go out to the Family and Friends of Donte may he rest in Peace
Posted by: Pablo on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:32 PM
And I have one more statement/comment/question. Doesn't it seem strange that West Virginia, with less than 3% of a black population has many, many times that with murderers and well as those they murder? I can't help but wonder why Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton can quit trying to make everything wrong in this country something to do with race, and tackle the problem of black crime?
Posted by: Pablo on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Young Mother, you are totally wrong. First of all, it does matter how someone dies. Unless its from old age, society needs to correct other types of death. Second, when it comes to drugs/alcohol, sex, or money...you really don't know what people are into. I'm talking about your kids, neighbors, or the pastor at your church. We'd like to think that our loved ones are not into any of this, but it happens. Third, no, it could not happen to anyone. Why would someone (as you say) was a father, be out in bars at 3 in the morning? So you see, Young Mother, you are wrong. I guess thats why you use a nickname like "Young Mother" because you live the type of life like you do. Bad things do happen to good people. But also, some people, by the way they live their lives bring on some of their worst problems. This young man should have been home, with his "wife" and child, and not out in bars in the wee hours of the morning.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 03:34 PM
My son is one of the owners of the bar. They tried to save that young man's life disregarding personal safety from possible blood borne disease and the fact that the shooter could have come back at any time. Marshall football players have caused problems in there before and the coach has had to be called to keep them in line. Being part of the community, the owners do not want to tarnish the reputation of Marshall and it's football players and have tried to deal with their problems with them discreetly. It's not fair for the bar to be blamed for this. It did not spill onto the street, it was an ambush from a patron who had been barred from the bar for over a month from a previous disturbance, a current Marshall player who was upset over the loss of a girlfriend to Newsome.
Posted by: YoungMother on Jul 6, 2008 at 02:52 PM
It really don't matter what happened, how Tae died or what the reason was.. the point is an amazing YOUNG man, father, son, friend is now gone over something that should have never happened.. People are so stupid these days. It's obvious the people on here saying stuff about drugs and Donte didn't know him so they have no right saying anything. Donte was smarter than that. Him being a football player has NOTHING to do with this.. He NO longer played at Marshall. He was playing football in Texas and was in town for the weekend and lost his life.. This could have happend to anyone but it happened to a great person and there's nothing we can do but pray for his family and his children. You all can get on here with your little opinions but honestly, they don't mean anything.. Donte is gone..It don't matter how, just that he's gone! We'll miss you babe.. Keep smiling. Everytime the sun shines, we all know it's you smiling down with that grill :)
Posted by: Concerned, still on Jul 6, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Was it as much violence when the police worked part time at the clubs? Someone need to allow the police or auxillary police to work these clubs, Captain Holbrook.
Posted by: Someone on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:15 PM
i live just not even a block from the club. every weekend there is either a fight or a shooting. i hate the city and miss the country where we didnt have any of this, its not safe anymore to just walk down the road without seeing drug deals or random acts of violence. the problem is with the detroit shippments that are comeing in...where are the police? fluid has always had a problm with violence and the stupid gangster wanna be's always either start crap there or cross the street in nawabi's parkinglot. me and my wife can just look out ou window and see down the way to fluid and part of nawabi. like i said before, i never was ever near this kind of stuff at my old town where i grow up and im only 23. the only thing we had there was just maybe 2 marijuana busts and speeders. i hate the city.
Posted by: Adam on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:13 PM
It's not the bar's fault. These same guys go to the mall, church, etc. Do we shut down all these places too? I've been going to clubs for 14 years and I've never been shot or stabbed. I'm a regular at Fluid and have never been in an altercation there. Why? Because I'm not a thug fronting for my boys. I go in, drink a few, dance a little, socialize, then go home. I was raised better than that.
Posted by: Kate on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Do any of you realize that you are having disagreement's on a website?? At the end of the Independance Day weekend I would like to remind people that everyone is entitled to have their own opinion....and they are entitled to state it whether "we" agree or disagree. Could we just all agree to disagree on all these topics. We shouldn't judge other people or their comments and just remember what is at hand. Someone has lost their life and it is a horrible horrible tradgey to his family. I personally work at a child care center in the area and very many times we find ourselves walking down 6th street to 4th ave which is right across from where this shooting was. I won't be taking the children down there anymore, because it just isn't safe. Let's stop the bickering and pray for the family of this young man! Thank you
Posted by: JOe on Jul 6, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Believe it or not. I heard the argument started over a "dance off". Has our young became extremely ignorant?
Posted by: Michael on Jul 6, 2008 at 12:31 PM
It has become apparent to me that people on this bored dont quite understand the fact that every player that ever played at Marshall University on an Athletic Scholorship was and is a MAJOR investment by the University. The school needs to educate this young men, on the dangers that comes with being that. People want to bring them down, people want to aggravate them to see there re-action. There have been reports of a altercation involving Mr. Newsome INSIDE the club. So how was he an innocent bystanderd? That does not in anyway justify him losing his life. anyway, My condolences to is family, and his group of friends the FAB 5. As for another Thug on the loose? This is the direction Huntington is headed in, you want it changed? Raise Taxes or hold your own fundraiser for HPD. As under funded as our department is, they dont stand a chance against people trained in avoiding law enforcement.
Posted by: Sad Citizen on Jul 6, 2008 at 12:27 PM
WOW.....I have lived in lots of Big Cities and feel safer walking on their streets than I do here. I came back to WV to go to Marshall, but not regret that I did. I can't wait to graduate this year and move back out of here. It is sad that another person has lost their life!! When is the HPD and Mayor going to wake up and realize that they have lost control of the city. It is being ran by Drugs, Prostitutes and Crime. Lets look..... A murder happens in Charleston, they find the person in less than 24 hours..... A murder happens in Huntington.... they hardly ever find the murderer. I think it is time the FBI comes in here and does some internal investigation on the mayor and the PD. Something is not right......Huntington now has the highest crime rate of ANY city in WV. Sad sad sad. And yes.... I moved here to finish school, that is the reason I am sorta "stuck" here. But....thankfully, I graduate this year and can move. Huntington is no longer a small safe quiet hometown!!!
Posted by: shelly on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:49 AM
We had a chance to change things in huntington this last election....but the same leaders are still here.....so you the residents of huntington are all to blame for the same cruel acts still going on. Next time vote differently.
Posted by: Dave on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:41 AM
To G-Man Fluid has control over the crowd.The issue is Current Marshall players coming to the bar and starting fights,because they think they own the town.And this shooting did not take place inside the club.It took place right on 4th Ave.So the bar is not at fault for this.The shooter waited for Donte to come out of the club.So before you go and speak check your fact's first.And for a club that has no control of the crowd,seems odd that the only people trying to help Donte was the people from Fluid.He was laying there choking on his blood and most people were standing there saying get up get up.And great work from the local EMS crew to that took 15 minutes to get there after the call came in.
Posted by: Misty on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:40 AM
When are young people going to LEARN..
Posted by: lives downtown on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:36 AM
everyone knoews thes clubs are nothing but troble. I would like to refresh peoples mind every late clubs that stays open after 1 a.m. and drinking always bring troble. they closed 2 clubs in the hood becaused people were shoting people .and every club that has been on third ave starting with Roby's I am sure some of the old timers rember their was troble every week-end. teach your kids that people are not like hey use to be. All this crack. heron and meth people are mixing this stuff besides the pills and drinking don't make for a good evening. If all the city officles like the mayor and the HPD I fell like they are suporting all this volence . They know where its comming from and they don't want to deal with this problem till its one of their own family member. Its time for this town to take it back and runn all this volence out of town . If we don't wake up now it will be too late they will be going to a furnal they could have stoped Its time for people to make a change now.
Posted by: george on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Everyone involved, and lots of others who just happened to be in a bad place, at a bad time, know exactly who did this!!!! Why in the HE-- is he not hanging from a tree already!!!!!!!!! UNEXCUSEABLE!!!! may God bless your family in this undescribably hard time Donte! and to the rest of the young men who were with Donte. . . may God grant you some peace.
Posted by: angry on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:07 AM
what is taking the police so long.make an arrest!
Posted by: just wondering? on Jul 6, 2008 at 07:20 AM
why do anti-gun posts and interviews get posted but pro-gun posts dont. third time wsaz. could it be YOU folks are anti-gun? just wondering.
Posted by: Paul on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:22 AM
This isn't an issue of where but an issue of why. A person with morals doesn't lose his grip on them because of his environment. Basketball courts, gas stations, and schools are all areas of frequent violent acts. Does this mean that we should shut all of these places down? No. It indicates that we have an issue with the basic knowledge of right and wrong. I have worked in 20 bars/clubs in Huntington since 1999 snd hsve yet to have my first taste of alcohol. I have yet to succomb to the "inevitable evils" associated with the bar scene. I believe sincerely that with a proper moral foundation, you can function as a positive influence on people in any environment. Unfortunately not all have that moral foundation and entirely too often, the careless acts of these individuals dramatically affect great people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Donte was one of these great people. Stop bickering over who is to blame. The shooter is fully responsible, not his location.
Posted by: Linda on Jul 6, 2008 at 03:19 AM
The problem isn't the bar or a few drinks. The problem is people not bothering to control themselves. I guess the "if it feels good do it" chickens have come home to roost. No one wants to show restraint or behave so more people die. God help us all.
Posted by: G-Mun on Jul 6, 2008 at 03:04 AM
Anyone want to take a shot at what the motive was for this cri