A New Year’s Eve party in Tazewell, Virginia, ended in a fatal shooting that killed 30-year-old Brandon Coxton. The gathering at Coxton’s home had been promoted by a flyer and drew a large crowd that included people not known to the hosts. An altercation shortly before midnight led to Coxton receiving a fatal gunshot wound.

An 18-year-old, Aiden Bennett-Shelton, was also wounded and flown to a Johnson City, Tennessee, medical center, where he was treated and released. Police say alcohol was a significant factor and describe witness statements as conflicting about what sparked the confrontation. Authorities arrested 23-year-old Coven Byrd-Hall of Bluefield, West Virginia; he is charged with murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and weapons violations and is being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail at Tazewell pending a preliminary hearing in early February.

Coxton is described as a loving father to four children. Does anyone who attended the party or knew Brandon have information that could clarify what led to the shooting?