WLOS NEWS REPORT
The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a juvenile is in custody, charged with first-degree murder. Chief Deputy Shane Hilliard tells News 13 a fatal shooting happened on Monday night, April 26, 2021, at around 6 p.m. in a home outside of Burnsville.
Investigators say a 12-year-old Yancey County boy has been arrested and charged with shooting and killing his father, later identified as 37-year-old Vernal Kilburn, inside their home. Chief Deputy Hilliard confirms authorities have recovered a rifle from the home.
Investigators say Kilburn rented the trailer on private land and lived in the home with his son. Hilliard says the male juvenile was taken Monday night to a juvenile justice facility. “We do not house juveniles at our jail,” said Chief Deputy Hilliard.
Additionally, we’re told another male child, who is not a sibling, was inside the trailer when the shooting happened. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
