1BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC – After a review by the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, no criminal charges will be filed in a shooting that occurred in the Bear Creek Community on Wednesday evening, October 8. Authorities concluded that the use of deadly force was justified in self-defense and to protect others in the home.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Patrol Deputies from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance accompanied by a gunshot. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the deceased body of William Jennings Bryan Clay III.

BCSO District 2 Captain Chris Stockton commented on the investigation, stating, “This decision reflects the tireless effort of the Patrol Deputies, Detectives, and Crime Scene Investigators who worked swiftly t

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