MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Jurors in the mercy phase of the Shuandarius Reeder, 21, first degree murder trial could not reach a verdict after about six hours of deliberation Friday. Deliberation will continue Monday at 9 a.m.
Reeder’s father testified his son was a promising football and basketball player until he accidentally shot his best friend when he was 16-years-old. Fairmont police conducted the investigation and say Reeder and others present did not cooperate during the first 24-hours. Reeder admitted to pulling the trigger while playing a game common in the group, but Reeder wanted to tell the parents of the victim before speaking to investigators. Investigators also found marijuana and determined the gun used in the accident was a stolen firearm.
About two months later, Reeder’s mother died and within six months of her death he was arrested for DUI on two occasions. Reeder also began to use the prescription drug Xanax.
Reeder did attempt counseling on at least one occasion.
Other witnesses told the jury Reeder wanted to be an electrician and signed up for technical education program just prior to the February 28, 2020 murder of Eric Smith.
On February 21, 2020 Reeder was in a car pulled over for equipment violations. The Fairmont police officer who conducted the stop told the jury Reeder was a passenger in the vehicle. Police say Reeder had a Glock 19 9 mm pistol and 16 Xanax pills. Also, a bag containing 326 Xanax pills was found the car he was riding in.
Officials did restrict attendance in the courtroom to the immediate family of Reeder and Smith because of several disturbances through the week. On Friday, those not allowed to attend were seen at the back of the Mon County Justice Center, some carrying signs. The exit procedure was slightly changed to protect the jury or others from any confrontation.
After the verdict was read Thursday an altercation between the Reeder and Linear families started on High Street and ended in the funeral home parking lot off Kirk Street. No arrests were made in the incident. Through the three days of testimony, multiple members of each family were asked to leave and barred from future attendance because of verbal altercations.