NICHOLAS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman is charged after she knowingly purchased a gun for a convicted felon used during a deadly shooting with Nicholas County Deputies.
According to court documents filed, Melanie Clodfelter, 41, purchased a Radical Firearms model RF-15 on November 17, 2021. Clodfelter bought the gun for Richie Holcomb. Holcomb, 36, was previously convicted in Webster County, WV, of a felony of Unlawful Wounding, on July 30, 2014.
Clodfelter admitted to authorities of buying the gun for Holcomb, and she knew of his previous conviction and that he could not buy the weapon himself.
Holcomb was shot and killed on June 3 during a shootout with deputies. Deputy Thomas Baker died from his injuries. Another deputy, Josh Ellison, was shot in the leg but is recovering. Another suspect, Brent Tyler, is in jail and charged with first-degree murder.
Clodfelter is charged with providing a firearm to a felon. Her next court appearance is Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 11 am in Charleston.