Arrest in Accidental Shooting of App St Student

The Investigation Division of the Boone Police Department report the arrest of Galen Elijah “Eli” Ruble, age 20 of Boone, NC.

Mr. Ruble was charged with the felony offense of Involuntary Manslaughter in the negligent shooting death of Jay Franklin Derby on Sunday November 22nd, 2009. Mr. Derby was in attendance at a gathering at Mr. Ruble’s apartment on Faculty Street that Saturday night into Sunday. During the course of the evening Mr. Ruble brought out a black power primitive hunting style single shot rifle and attempted to discharge a percussion cap in Mr. Derby’s direction to frighten those in attendance. Both Mr. Derby and Mr. Ruble are known to be good friends.

Mr. Ruble was brought before the Watauga County Magistrate and given a court date of December 15th, 2009 and held under a $10,000.00 bond.