Big Prairie woman murdered Sunday night 10-year-old shoots his mom with his own gun
Joseph A. McVay, 10, of 13194 Township Road 511, entered the equivalent of a not guilty plea before Juvenile Court Judge Thomas C. Lee to one count of murder. If convicted, he faces incarceration up to age 21.
The charge alleges that on Sunday, Jan. 2, Joseph shot and killed his mother, Deborah L. McVay, 46, also of 13194 Township Road 511.
According to Holmes County Sheriff Tim Zimmerly, Joseph fatally shot Deborah McVay in the forehead with a .22 caliber rifle. The shooting occurred at approximately 6 p.m. after son and mother had an argument about chores, Zimmerly said.
“There was an exchange of words and he grabbed the gun and shot her. She wanted him to bring in some firewood and that is apparently what set him off.”
Deputies were contacted after Joseph went to a neighbor’s residence and said he shot his mother and needed an ambulance. Deborah McVay was found dead in the living room of her residence.
Joseph was detained at the Richland County Juvenile Detention Center following the shooting. A 15-year-old girl residing at the home, identified as Deborah’s daughter, was placed with family.
The 10-year-old boy appeared in court Monday in the custody of police, dressed in an orange jumpsuit with a black jacket wrapped over his shoulders. Joseph is represented by Loudonville attorney Andy Hyde, who entered a plea of denial to the charge on Joseph’s behalf.
Hyde agreed with a recommendation by Holmes County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sean Warner to keep Joseph at Richland Juvenile for the time being.
“We hope to eventually raise the issue of placing him with family members,” Hyde said. “(However) at this point (detention) is still reasonable.”
The .22 used in the alleged shooting was Joseph’s, Zimmerly said, having been given to him some time ago by a family member.
Investigation into the matter continues.
Warner said Monday he does not expect additional charges to be filed.
Joseph was enrolled in the fourth grade at Clark Elementary. West Holmes School District Superintendent Kris Perone said staff and counselors went from room to room at the school Tuesday to speak with students.
“We went into each classroom and discussed some facts that were age-appropriate and offered the opportunity to meet with counselors,” Perone said. “We assured the children they are safe at school.”
A letter went home to parents Tuesday regarding the discussions with students, Perone said. She said staff is stressing that students should go to an adult with any questions about the matter.
A few students chose to talk to counselors Tuesday, Perone said.
Joseph’s father, Michael McVay, 44, last known address 13194 Township Road 511, Big Prairie, has an outstanding warrant for failing to pay child support, according to Wayne County Common Pleas Court records. Efforts to track down Michael have thus far been fruitless, Holmes County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Knowling said.
“They tried to find him but no dice,” said Knowling. “Obviously, we knew we had to find a relative last night (and deputies) time was consumed with other things.”
Law enforcement officials in Wayne and Holmes counties were unavailable for comment as to Michael McVay’s whereabouts.
An autopsy will be performed by the Stark County Coroner.