The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

September 8, 2009

Detectives: Murder suspect called 911

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Raleigh County sheriff’s detectives say a murder suspect called 911 and reported finding the victim’s body, even as deputies were en route to the crime scene.

Gerald Steven Shulock, 48, of Beckley, is charged with first-degree murder, said Sgt. Larry Lilly, chief of detectives. Shulock was booked in the Southern Regional Jail early Monday morning. A circuit judge will later decide if he can be released on bond.

Detectives have now identified Anna Shores, 38, of Cool Ridge as the victim.

Lilly said the murder at Shores’ 187 Sundown Stables Road residence in Cool Ridge is believed to have happened last Friday and appears to be the result of a domestic dispute.

Shores and Shulock had reportedly dated, but their status at the time of the murder and their relationship’s length is unknown, according to Lilly.

The two argued, and that escalated, Lilly said. Shores was shot at least once with a small-caliber handgun, and what is believed to be the murder weapon was found at the scene.

Shores’ body was not found until Sunday at about 5:30 p.m., Lilly said.

Family members had not heard from her since Friday, and they called police. They told deputies she regularly kept in touch with them.

While deputies were en route, Shulock called 911, saying he came to check on Shores and found her dead, Lilly said. Detectives believe a relative may have called him, trying to find Shores.

Detectives’ subsequent investigation led them to Shulock, Lilly said. Shulock later confessed to the murder, but the motive is still under investigation.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com

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