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Alleged Sheriff Shooter Heads To Court

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A West Virginia man accused of gunning down Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum is heading to court.

Tennis Melvin Maynard faces a Wednesday arraignment in Cabell County Circuit Court.

Maynard is accused of fatally shooting Crum on April 3 as the sheriff ate lunch while parked in downtown Williamson.

After a short vehicle chase, authorities say Maynard pulled a gun on a deputy who then shot and wounded him.

A grand jury indicted Maynard on first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and fleeing charges.

Investigators have not discussed a possible motive.  Maynard's father has said the 37-year-old has mental health issues.

Crum had been a county magistrate for more than a decade when he successfully ran for sheriff last year. The 59-year-old entered office in January focused on drug crimes.