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HURRICANE — A Hurricane man was arrested early Saturday after police say he shot and killed a man who had just kicked him out of a bar late Friday.
The man who was killed has been identified by police as Sean Moore, 41, also of Hurricane.
Bryan Edwin Hill, 55, was booked into jail in Washington County for investigation of murder, felony discharge of a weapon, use of a concealed weapon in a violent felony, carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence and aggravated assault.
At about 11 p.m., Hurricane police responded to reports of a shooting at the Eagles Lodge, 495 E. 800 North, and located a man who had been shot. Moore died of his injuries at the scene, according to police.
Multiple witnesses identified Hill as the man who shot Moore and said he had left the scene in his vehicle, according to a police booking affidavit. At about 12:50 a.m., police located Hill at his residence near 600 West and 100 North in Hurricane where he was arrested with the help of a SWAT team without incident.
Witnesses told police that Hill was being "belligerent and escalating in anger" when Moore intervened and removed him from the business, the affidavit states. Investigators also reviewed video surveillance of the shooting.
"In the footage, the victim is seen pushing Bryan out of door to the business. Shortly after getting outside, Bryan pulled a firearm from his waistband area and fired at least once at the victim, who immediately reacted and fell backward. Bryan then walked toward the victim and began motioning at him while the victim laid on the ground," according to the affidavit.
When he was first interviewed, Hill said Moore got verbally aggressive with him and Hill tried to leave. "Bryan said they tussled and the victim pulled a firearm from his right side. Bryan said he pulled his own firearm and motioned with his hands a firing motion. Bryan did state that he shot the victim right in the heart," police wrote in the arrest report.
But Hurricane police said Hill "changed the details of his story numerous times." And once detectives reviewed the video surveillance and told Hill they had seen the video, Hill "subsequently changed his description of the incident again," the affidavit alleges.
One witness also told police that after the shooting, Hill followed him around a parked vehicle, "pointing the gun at him more than once," according to the affidavit.
Investigators asked that Hill be held in jail without bail, saying he "showed an extreme disregard for the safety of the public as he opened fire with numerous individuals in the establishment, the affidavit says, adding that Hill was reported as "being increasingly erratic" and during his police interview he "admitted to being angry at the victim prior to shooting him."
A GoFundMe account* established to help with funeral costs and other bills said Moore was out enjoying a night of karaoke when he was killed.
"Sean leaves behind his wife, Gretchen, and his daughters, Ashlynn, Izzy and Anna. Sean's family was his world and loves his family with all of his heart. Sean also leaves behind other girls who called him coach Sean. Sean coached his girls and got to know and loved to coach many of the other girls on the Hurricane Hustle softball club," the site says.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
