MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - A Martinsburg woman was in critical condition this morning after her boyfriend allegedly shot her before turning a rifle on himself, according to the Martinsburg Police Department.
John Wayne Batson, 49, of 307 N. Delaware Ave., was pronounced dead at Martinsburg City Hospital after the shooting, which occurred Tuesday just before midnight, police said. He was found in his home suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, police said.
Tina Marie Martin, 39, of 307 N. Delaware Ave., was shot in the chest, said Det. Kevin Miller. She was taken to Martinsburg City Hospital, from where she was flown to Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va., police said.
Batson allegedly fired more than one shot at Martin around 11:47 p.m. Tuesday, but hit her only once, Miller said.
Four spent 30-30 casings were found in the home with other ammunition, a 30-30 caliber rifle believed to have been used in the shooting and a written note to police, police said.
