PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Mercer County man is facing second-degree murder charges after a domestic dispute turned deadly late Saturday night.
Deputies with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department were called to a home on Ives Street in the Princeton area around 10:50 p.m. on September 6 after reports of an argument and possible assault. Callers told 911 that a man, later identified as Eric Halsey, had been intoxicated and allegedly body-slammed a juvenile.
When deputies arrived, witnesses said Halsey had fled the home. Moments later, one of the residents, identified as 48-year-old Ronald Rasnick, became unresponsive. Emergency crews rushed him to Princeton Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said evidence at the scene showed signs of a violent struggle, including blood throughout several rooms of the home. Witnesses told deputies that Halsey and Rasnick began fighting after Rasnick found Halsey masturbating in the living room while a juvenile was present. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, during which Halsey allegedly struck Rasnick multiple times in the head with a glass ashtray until it shattered.
According to witness statements, the fight continued outside before Halsey left the property. Deputies later located him nearby and took him into custody without incident. He had visible injuries to his head.
During transport, Halsey reportedly claimed he acted in self-defense but declined to give a formal statement without a lawyer.
The Sheriff’s Department said DNA evidence and photographs from the scene have been collected and will be sent to the state police crime lab for analysis.
Halsey is being held on a charge of second-degree murder.
