Raleigh County judge denies bond to shooter in Chad Minor’s death

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) –A Raleigh County judge on Wednesday, June 10, 2024, denied a bond request by attorneys for a man accused of first-degree murder.

Stephen Neal, 50, is charged in connection with the shooting death of 46-year-old Chad Minor in Stanaford in May 2024.

Stacey Fragile, Chief Public Defender with the Raleigh County Public Defender’s Office, Neal’s attorney, suggested to Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick that Neal had shot Minor to death in self defense during an altercation inside Neal’s house.

“There was an incident, a meeting between two people,” Fragile said. “There was an altercation, and, unfortunately, someone is now dead. That’s where we are.”

Initially, law enforcement officers had said it was unlikely Neal would be charged in Minor’s death.

However, he was later charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm during commission of a felony and kidnapping.

During a preliminary hearing, Fragile said, a judge ruled there was not enough evidence for the kidnapping charge and dismissed it.

Grand jurors must now return an indictment against Neal, after reviewing the evidence.

Fragile asked Judge Kirkpatrick to allow Neal to await the grand jury proceedings while on home confinement.

Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield disagreed with the request, citing a string of misdemeanors and felonies in Neal’s criminal history, including malicious assault, domestic battery, driving under the influence, and driving on a revoked license.

“The state feels it would be inappropriate at this time,” Hatfield said of the bond request. “We urge the court to hold the defendant without bail, pending grand jury proceedings in the matter.”

Citing Neal’s criminal history, Judge Kirkpatrick ordered Neal to await grand jury proceedings at Southern Regional Jail but said Neal’s attorneys could request a bail hearing again, prior to trial, if Neal is indicted.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.