BOONE, N.C. (WGHP) - A 19-year-old Appalachian State University student was accidentally shot and killed inside an apartment near campus early Sunday morning.

According to Capt. Jim Wilson of the Boone Police Department, the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Sunday at the Appalachian South Apartments on Faculty Street. Wilson said 19-year-old Jay Franklin Derby of Matthews was killed when someone in the apartment accidentally discharged the gun.

Police said seven people were inside the apartment when the shooting took place. No one has been charged.

Capt. Wilson said the shooting was accidental, but the investigation is continuing. They will continue to question witnesses and the district attorney will decide if they will press any charges.

Derby was a sophomore and business major at Appalachian State. His father, who lives in Matthews, told the Charlotte Observer his son was doing well in school and had planned to graduate a year early. He also said his son was "excited about coming home for Thanksgiving."

Police have not released the name of the shooter, but Capt. Wilson said the person may have been an acquaintance.


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