STAUNTON, Va. (AP) - A Fishersville man who is suspected in a crossbow killing has had his second-degree murder charge reduced.
Media outlets report 27-year-old Jeffrey Craun is now charged with manslaughter in the death of 26-year-old Zachary Porter, who was killed May 29 with a shot from a crossbow.
Authorities say Porter and another man showed up at Craun’s home the morning of the killing, and Porter reportedly banged on the door with an axe handle. While Craun opened the door armed with a crossbow, Porter stood his ground while the other man fled.
Witnesses said Porter was swinging at Craun with the axe handle when shot with the crossbow.
Prosecutor Tim Martin says Craun’s charge was reduced based on the concept that malice was not part of Porter’s killing.
Craun remains free on bond.
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