Man shot and killed over spilled beer

55-year-old Vaughn Hilliard, of North Charleston, South Carolina, has been charged with the murder of 46-year-old Troy Cason, also of North Charleston.

According to the police report, the victim had gone to meet some friends when one of the friends threw a beer on the ground. Hilliard came around the corner and began fighting with Cason because he thought Cason had thrown the beer.

Witnesses told police that Cason pushed Hilliard to the ground during the fight. Hilliard then left, came back with a rifle. A witness said that Cason tried to leave, but Hilliard fired a shot, hitting Cason in the left side. Cason was taken to the hospital but died of his injuries a few days later.

News reports do not indicate any prior criminal history for Hilliard and he has not been charged with being in illegal possession of a gun. He has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Gun instructor arrested, charged with shortening course & giving answers

51-year-old Richard Wykel of Cherokee County, South Carolina was certified as a concealed weapons permit instructor in 1996. But after an undercover investigation, Wykel has been arrested and charged with perjury and subornation of perjury in connection with improper training in his concealed weapons permit class.
South Carolina requires eight hours of training, including classroom instruction, firing a weapon, and showing proficiency in a weapon, before someone can obtain a concealed weapons permit. After receiving a complaint about Wykel an undercover agent signed up for his class. The agent reported that he paid $65 for the class, was fingerprinted, filled out the application and was then given the answers to the test. He also said the class lasted less than one hour and did not include firing the handgun.
Police are asking people who took Wykel's course to come forward and requalify for permits. They warn that anyone who applied for and received a concealed weapons permit without completing the eight-hour training course are subject to perjury charges for the falsification of the applications process.