Man shoots, kills armed intruder

FATAL SHOOTING

A homeowner shot and killed an armed intruder during a confrontation in St. Louisville early Sunday, according to the Licking County sheriff's office.

Samuel David Beskid II, 27, of Cumberland in Guernsey County, entered the house in the 9100 block of Graceland Land Road in northern Licking County through an unlocked door after 5 a.m., the sheriff's office reported.

According to statements gathered by investigators, the homeowner, Donnie Gayheart, 37, was in bed with a woman when Beskid reportedly pointed a firearm and a flashlight at them. An altercation occurred inside the home and Gayheart, wielding his own weapon, shot Beskid, sheriff's Capt. Chris Slaymen said.

Slayman said the intrusion was not a burglary.

"There was some prior history between them," he said of Gayheart and Beskid, but the men had not known each other long. What specifically sparked the confrontation investigators were trying to confirm on Sunday.

Slayman said investigators were trying to determine whether Beskid fired his weapon and how many shots were fired overall.

Investigators with the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation helped deputies process the crime scene, Slayman said. No one was arrested and no charges were filed Sunday. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

Slayman said results of the investigation will be turned over to the county prosecutor's office.