Charges sought in Washington County shooting

POTOSI — Washington County authorities are still trying to piece together what led to the shooting death of a Richwoods man over the weekend. Washington County Sheriff Kevin Schroeder said while the victim’s brother has given a partial confession, he said it’s still not known what caused the argument between the siblings.

“We have interviewed the suspect and he has given a partial confession,” Schroeder said. “We don’t know why this took place, though.”

Schroeder said a witness at the scene called police after Daniel Tyarks, 24, Richwoods, shot his brother Donald Tyarks. The shooting occurred at 2:38 a.m. Saturday in the 10900 block of Forest Lane in Richwoods. When deputies arrived on the scene they found the body of a Donald Tyarks with a single fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

Daniel Tyarks was taken into custody and has been formally charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Schroeder said Tyarks was charged with second-degree murder instead of first degree because police don’t think the shooting was premeditated.

According to a press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation revealed that Tyarks and his brother Daniel, 24, Richwoods, were having a verbal argument that turned into a physical altercation. Daniel Tyarks then entered the residence, and retrieved an SKS rifle and fired one round, striking the victim.

Daniel Tyarks remains at the Washington County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.