22/09/2023
My niece and her four teammates, three of whom are Black, were held at gunpoint in a public park in West Virginia by a white man at 4 am. He claimed they were playing music too loudly. A police officer had been present earlier when the man complained, but the officer couldn't even hear the music. Nevertheless, the man took matters into his own hands. The man is facing five felonies and five misdemeanors, though I'm unsure of the exact charges. He was released on bail. He owns five dealerships in the area and is well-connected, being friends with many judges, local officials, and even the university president where the girls attend.
The university is seeking to punish the girls for causing a disturbance in public. I read the email from the university president to my sister, and it claims there's no proof that the man even pointed a gun, insisting the girls must be held accountable for the disturbance. Interestingly, the president is close friends with the gunman and is a member of the same local country club. Additionally, the gunman's mother serves on the college's board of trustees. Surprisingly, the story hasn't gained traction in the press; it hasn't appeared on any TV stations or newspapers in the area. Even obtaining a protection order for the girls from the judge seems impossible. It is important to note that the police are supportive, and the prosecutor is building a strong case. They, too, are concerned about the gunman’s connections and the possibility of him having unfair advantages in court.
This email from the college president is beyond belief. He wrote an email to my sister that said the girls need to be held accountable and and they have no proof the gunman waved it or threatened with it. The president of the college also said the girls we disturbing the sleep of the gunman‘s “family and young children.“ He wasn’t there and this is a criminal investigation  that has nothing to do with the college. Why is he taking the stance? He is not concerned about the young women on the schools volleyball team because he goes to the country club with the gunman, and the gunman’s mother is a trustee on the board of the college. The gunman, who owns five car dealerships in the area, is wealthy and well-connected, making this a dire situation. I'm trying to find a way to help and bring attention to this injustice, as the man seems to think he can get away with it. The townspeople seem to believe his side of the story, despite the girls being on public park property and not causing a disturbance.
If anyone knows a reporter who might be interested in this story, please send me a direct message.  It is important to get it out into the public so that people are watching. What happens when the man goes to court on October 3. I won't disclose the specific college or town to ensure my niece's safety. Thank you for your understanding."
