Man charged with murder of brother

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind (WLFI) -  A Montgomery County man is charged in the death of his brother. The Montgomery County Prosecutor charged 23-year-old Chad Byrd with Murder and  Voluntary Manslaughter.

Chad Byrd is accused of killing 26-year-old Jacob Byrd on November 9th with a 20-gauge shotgun at their parents house near New Richmond.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, John Byrd states he was on the chair next to the couch on the victim's left side. He stated that Chad Byrd, his younger son, was standing on the far side of the couch, to Jacob Byrd's right. He saw Chad Byrd raise a shotgun and shoot Jacob in the right side of the head.  The father struggled with Chad Byrd to get control of the weapon. He eventually let go of the gun and ran away. Chad Byrd was later arrested walking along County Road 500 West.

Shirley Byrd was in the galley kitchen attached to the main room. She was about 10 feet behind Chad Byrd when she heard a single shot. She turned to see her husband struggling with Chad Byrd over the shotgun.

Neither parent could give authorities a motive for the shooting.

Court documents said while Chad Byrd was being booked into the jail, he made comments like - "I shouldn't have done that." The officer said Chad Byrd repeated that about three times. When officers went to formally interview him, he declined to make a statement.