Last Updated on August 16, 2023 5:57 pm
UPDATE Wednesday, August 16th, 4:58 pm from Boone Police:
Boone, NC – On August 11th, 2023, at 2:30 pm, officers with the Boone Police Department responded to the area of Blowing Rock Road for a reported shooting. Responding officers located a male suffering from a gunshot wound laying in the highway at the intersection of Winkler’s Creek Road. The male was transported to Watauga Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The man was identified as Justin Wayne Newberry, age 38 of Boone, NC. This was an isolated incident that stemmed from an apparent road rage occurrence.
On August 16, 2023, Chief Andy Le Beau and investigators met with the District Attorney, Seth Banks, to review the case. This case is still an active, on-going investigation. Mr. Banks will examine the evidence in the case in the days to come. At this time police have released the identity of the other party involved in the shooting as William Ray Bristol, age 54 of Caldwell County, NC. Further information will be released in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office in the near future.
UPDATE Monday, August 14th, 11 am from Boone Police:
Boone, NC – On August 11th, 2023, at 2:30 pm, officers with the Boone Police Department responded to the area of Blowing Rock Road for a reported shooting. Responding officers located a male suffering from a gunshot wound laying in the highway at the intersection of Winkler’s Creek Road. The male was transported to Watauga Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The man was identified as Justin Wayne Newberry, age 38 of Boone, NC. This was an isolated incident that stemmed from an apparent road rage occurrence.
We are saddened that this terrible situation has happened in Boone. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Justin Newberry. This is a very serious investigation, and we are working with our prosecutor’s office to get them the information they need. As our investigators work to process evidence and interview witnesses, we are unraveling the details of this situation. We will consult with our District Attorney, Seth Banks, regarding potential criminal charges as soon as possible. This teamwork is crucial in assuring a fair, thorough and impartial investigation. We will update the community as soon as possible with further details. ~
Chief Andy Le Beau
UPDATE from Boone Police: 5:02 pm
Boone, NC – On August 11th, 2023, at 2:30 pm, officers with the Boone Police Department responded to the area of Blowing Rock Road for a reported shooting. Responding officers located a male suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was transported to Watauga Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. At this time the name of the deceased male is not being released and the investigation is ongoing. The shooter is cooperating with law enforcement investigators. There is no ongoing threat to the public.
Blowing Rock Road was closed for approximately one hour while detectives with the Boone Police Department processed the scene.
Appalachian State University Police Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Watauga Medics, and Boone Fire assisted with this incident.
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UPDATE 3:38 pm – Highway 321 is back open in that area. The public is not in immediate danger.
Friday, August 11, 3 pm – Multiple law enforcement agencies have responded to the scene of a reported shooting in the area of Bojangles on Highway 321, according to multiple scanner dispatches.
Traffic is being detoured in that area. The public is not in immediate danger.
This is a developing situation and WataugaOnline.com will update as more information becomes available.
