Graves County man charged with murder following shooting death

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A 40-year-old Water Valley man has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree wanton endangerment following a fatal shooting last week in Graves County, Kentucky. Authorities say Stanley Napier Jr. got into an altercation with 49-year-old Daniel Ray Jaco at a chicken barn, left, retrieved a handgun, and then returned to the barn and shot Jaco, who died from his injuries.

Why it matters

Violent crimes like this shooting death are rare in the rural Graves County area, raising concerns about public safety and the potential escalation of disputes. The case also highlights the need for conflict resolution and de-escalation training, as well as stronger gun control measures to prevent easy access to firearms during heated confrontations.

The details

According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, deputies and Kentucky State Police responded around 8:15 a.m. last Thursday to a report of an altercation between Napier and Jaco at a chicken barn on Kingston Road. After the initial confrontation, witnesses said Napier left the barn, got a handgun, and then returned to the barn and shot Jaco, who died from his injuries. The Graves County grand jury indicted Napier on Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree wanton endangerment.

• The incident occurred last Thursday morning around 8:15 a.m.
• Napier was arrested and charged following the grand jury indictment on Tuesday.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Napier is being held on a $100,000 cash bond or $200,000 property bond. The judge will decide on Thursday whether to grant him bail as the case proceeds.