WV Concealed Carry Permit Holder found innocent. Why was he prosecuted even after attackers plead guilty?

Brandon Tagayun
Oct 9
3 min read

Updated: Nov 4

Posted on October 9, 2025

In a high-profile self-defense case in Kanawha County, West Virginia, a jury acquitted K. Bowman, a 25-year-old Dunbar resident and concealed carry holder, of charges tied to a May 2024 shootout near the Shawnee Sports Complex. Held on a $100,000 bond for roughly 17 months, Bowman faced prosecution despite the guilty pleas of two suspects, Clark and Jacobs, who initiated the attack. Prosecutors used Bowman's own statements against him, yet the jury sided with his self-defense claim. This blog post, brought to you by BL Outfitters, West Virginia’s highest-rated firearms training company specializing in self-defense courses, explores the incident, trial, and verdict to shed light on self-defense rights.

The Incident: Panic Near a Youth Soccer Tournament

In May 2024, a shootout erupted on Smoot Avenue near the Shawnee Sports Complex in the Institute/Dunbar area of Kanawha County, West Virginia, during a youth soccer tournament. The gunfire, described as a possible drive-by, caused widespread panic among families and children, though no injuries occurred.

The incident involved three men: K. Bowman, Clark (24), and Jacobs (19). According to court records, Clark and Jacobs, armed with multiple weapons in a vehicle, allegedly fired first at Bowman over a dispute involving "girls." Bowman, a licensed concealed carry permit holder, responded with significantly fewer shots, using what his attorney called "equal force" in self-defense. Arrests followed on May 19, 2024, with Bowman detained on a $100,000 bond, leading to a prolonged jail stay.

Guilty Pleas, Yet Prosecution Persisted

In April 2025, Clark and Jacobs pleaded guilty to wanton endangerment with a firearm. Clark received a 15-year sentence for three counts, and Jacobs got 20 years for four counts in June 2025. These convictions supported Bowman's claim that he was the target of an unprovoked attack. However, prosecutors still pursued two counts of wanton endangerment against Bowman, raising questions about self-defense laws and concealed carry rights in West Virginia.

The Trial: Bowman's Words Weaponized

The trial, held from October 6 to 8, 2025, in Kanawha County Circuit Court, lasted about three days. Prosecutors emphasized the public danger near the sports complex, presenting video footage, expert testimony, and eyewitness accounts from tournament attendees who described the chaos but could not confirm seeing Bowman fire.

A key prosecution strategy involved using Bowman's recorded police interview and jail phone calls, where he initially denied knowing the shooters but later suggested familiarity. This was meant to question his credibility. Defense attorney Trent Redman countered by focusing on cross-examination, highlighting a prior shooting in the neighborhood less than three months earlier to reframe the incident's context.

Bowman did not testify, and the defense called no witnesses. Redman leaned on Bowman's concealed carry permit and restrained response, arguing he was "hunted" by Clark and Jacobs. Notable quotes from Redman's opening statements include:

"They went hunting for Mr. Bowman. Once these felons found their prey, they began shooting."
"Not only was he not the aggressor, but the force by which he chose to respond was equal to being shot at."

The Verdict: Freedom After 17 Months

On October 8, 2025, after about 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Bowman not guilty on all counts. He was released immediately, ending nearly a year and a half of incarceration. The verdict underscores the strength of self-defense claims for concealed carry holders in West Virginia, especially in complex public safety cases.

Why This Matters for Concealed Carry Holders

This case highlights the importance of understanding your rights as a concealed carry permit holder. At BL Outfitters, West Virginia’s top-rated firearms training company, we specialize in self-defense courses to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for responsible gun ownership. Our expert-led training ensures you’re prepared for real-world scenarios, whether in urban or outdoor settings.

Understanding Self-Defense Laws

It's crucial to grasp the nuances of self-defense laws in West Virginia. Knowing when and how to use your firearm can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation. Our courses cover the legal aspects of concealed carry, ensuring you are well-informed and confident in your rights.

The Importance of Quality Training

Investing in quality training is essential. Many budget courses may not provide the comprehensive education you need. At BL Outfitters, we offer premium training that beats $100–$135 chains. Our $99 CCW classes and $160/$110 private lessons are designed to give you the best training experience possible.

Join Us at BL Outfitters

Visit BL Outfitters to enroll in our premier self-defense courses and stay empowered as a responsible concealed carry permit holder. Our commitment to safety and quality training makes us your trusted, USCCA-certified choice in southern West Virginia.

-Stay Dangerous- Brandon

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