Wise County man charged with murder in shooting of teenage stepson, sheriff says
A man was arrested and charged with murder after his stepson was shot and killed Tuesday night, according to the Wise County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a home in the 100 block of Griffin Street, south of Boyd, at around 8:40 p.m. Tuesday about a domestic disturbance between the suspect, Joshua Earwood, and his 18-year-old stepson, Caleb White.
When deputies arrived at the scene, White had already left, according to the sheriff’s office.
The initial disturbance was “verbal only” and there was no sign of physical assault, said the sheriff’s office.
Deputies left the scene, but were called back to the home at 10 p.m. about an injured person. Upon arrival, deputies found White shot one time.
Earwood shot White, who was transported to a hospital, where he died of his injuries, authorities said.
Earwood was arrested and faces a murder charge. He’s in the Wise County Jail with bail set at $350,000, records show
A GoFundMe has been organized by White’s uncle, Billie Levine, for his mother — Ashley White— and his 14- and 17-year-old siblings. White’s family is looking to raise $20,000 for funeral expenses, moving costs, and therapy.
“Caleb was a smart, young, funny kid who had his entire life ahead of him. He is loved and missed so much. He was only 18,” Levine wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Our family is mourning and we appreciate any help for Ashley and her kids during this very difficult time.”
Of the $20,000 goal, $1,700 has been raised as of Thursday afternoon.
White was a student at Boyd High School, which said in a social media post that it had counselors available to help grieving classmates.
This story was originally published September 13, 2023 at 8:38 PM.
