UPDATED 6:14 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

The Boone Police Department charged Galen Elijah Ruble, 20, in the death of Appalachian State University student Jay Franklin Derby, also 20, this afternoon, Detective Glen Kornhauser said.

Ruble, a Boone resident, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and bond was set at $10,000, Kornhauser said. 

Ruble was brought before the Watauga County Magistrate and was given a court date of Dec. 15.

Ruble

Derby was found dead at Ruble's App South apartment complex on Faculty Street early Sunday morning and was shot with a muzzleloader, according to an incident report from the Boone Police Department.

Kornhauser said the black-powder single-shot rifle was "primitive" and similar to those used for hunting. 

Derby was in attendance at a "gathering of around 7 people" at Ruble's apartment when the rifle was brought out into the open during the course of the evening, Investigations Captain Jim Wilson said. 

The percussion cap was discharged in Derby's direction to "frighten" those in attendance, according to the press release. 

Derby and Ruble were "known to be good friends," according to the release. 

Derby, of Matthews, was a sophomore business education major.

Boone Police Department officers, along with Watauga Medics, responded to a call at approximately 12:30 a.m. Sunday after receiving the report of a gunshot victim.

Derby was dead when the paramedics arrived.

Wilson said alcohol was found at the apartment, but drugs were not.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Jay’s name to Second Harvest Food Bank or Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 11234, Charlotte, N.C., 28220.

Condolences may be sent to: Mike and Susan Derby, 14427 Cricket Lane, Matthews, N.C. 28105.

A memorial book will be available for signing in Plemmons Student Union Nov. 30-Dec. 8. The book will be sent to Derby's family. 

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