On November 10, 2021, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 1000 block of Hughart Drive, Sissonville, WV, to investigate a shooting. Also, a related fire was occurring at a residential trailer nearby. A male identified as Jacob Parsons was in the driveway of his residence on Hughart Drive with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported from the scene by ambulance to an area hospital. Robert Layne (30 years old of Sissonville, WV), was located and detained by deputies in the roadway nearby. A handgun was located on the edge of the roadway near a mailbox.
During an interview with Mr. Layne, he admitted to intentionally setting fire to the residence on Sisters Lane. The resident of that trailer was present. Her boyfriend was the victim of the shooting. An altercation occurred between the victim and Mr. Layne over his setting the fire. Mr. Layne admitted he shot the victim several times during their argument.
A bullet believed to have been fired by Layne struck the residence located at 1023 Hughart Drive. Three people were standing on the front porch of this residence at the time the shots were fired.
Mr. Layne has been charged with felony counts of arson, malicious wounding, and wanton endangerment. As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Layne are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.