19-year-old man dies after trying to break up fight at a party, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office says

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — A 19-year-old man is dead after trying to break up a fight at a party in Spotsylvania County on Sept. 1, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

At around 1 a.m., deputies responded to the 14600 block of Spotswood Furnace Road for a reported shooting.

The SCSO said it was reported that a large group had gathered and was trespassing on Spotsylvania County property when a fight broke out.

After the fight ensued, 19-year-old Christian Whalen attempted to break it up when someone shot him in the lower extremity.

Deputies immediately began life-saving measures, and a deputy who was on the scene loaded Whalen into his cruiser, transporting him to a rescue squad.

Responders transported Whalen to a local hospital, where he died.

Detectives began interviewing numerous witnesses who were still on the scene. During the initial interviews, detectives determined that 18-year-old Kenneth Watson of Caroline had fired a weapon, striking Whalen and ultimately killing him, according to the SCSO.

Authorities charged Watson with homicide and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Law enforcement is holding him without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office says “many more interviews” may need to be conducted. Detectives are relying on witnesses who may have been at the party but left before law enforcement arrived.

Anyone with information should contact the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-928-5822 or 1-540-582-5822. Tips can also be left online at www.spotsylvaniacrimesolvers.org .

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