CEDAR BLUFF — A West Point man claiming self-defense in the shooting death of a Cedar Bluff man will face a grand jury in April.
Jeremy Barnhill, 24, has not been arrested or charged in the Jan. 2 death of Curtis Clardy, 46, but Clay County Sheriff”s Office investigators are preparing a case to present to the grand jury.
Barnhill maintains he shot Clardy twice near Clardy”s Jack Williams Road home out of self-defense. Clardy was in a relationship with Barnhill”s sister.
CCSO Chief Deputy Eddie Scott says the grand jury will decide if sufficient evidence exists to charge Barnhill with anything from manslaughter to murder.
If Barnhill is indicted, he will be arrested and held over for Clay County Circuit Court, which also is in session in early April. The next session will be in July.
Scott and investigators continue to interview witnesses and family members with knowledge of the shooting. The CCSO has also been in communication with the district attorney”s office regarding the procedure for self-defense claims.
“I”m not necessarily saying I believe everything the principals are telling me,” Scott said Thursday. “What we”re worried about right now is making sure we have all our facts for court. I”m not worried about arresting (Barnhill). He”s been told he needs to stay close.”
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