Fatal Shooting in Summersville Remains Under Investigation

On May 13, 2020 at approximately 6:32 p.m., Texas County deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 1700 block of Highway 17 south of Summersville. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies located a deceased male, dead as a result of a gunshot wound. The victim, Michael R. Eschrich, 63, of Mountain View, was pronounced dead at the scene by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater. 

The alleged shooter was present and cooperated with investigators. The subject was transported to the Texas County Justice Center for investigation and was later released. As of press time, the circumstances remain under investigation, and Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey is not releasing or confirming the name of the shooter. 

Preliminary results of the investigation indicate that Eschrich approached the shooter with a dangerous object in an aggressive manner and the weapon was discharged in defense of the risk of serious physical injury or death.  

This investigation is still active and upon completion the results will be presented to the Texas County Prosecuting Attorney for review.