Gaston Co. man accused of shooting, killing girlfriend to face judge

CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — The man police accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend near Cherryville late Wednesday night will be in court to face a judge Friday.

Lacey West, 24, of Gastonia, was shot around 9:40 p.m. on Black Road, officials said. She was rushed to CaroMont Regional where she died, police told Channel 9.

Officials told Channel 9 early Thursday morning that the shooting took place at the home of West’s boyfriend, Jeffrey Eaker, 26, and that he is in custody.

Eaker was drunk to the point that he had to be taken to the hospital, police said.

Channel 9 was at the magistrate's office Thursday morning as Eaker was charged with first-degree murder.

Investigators also said they have recovered a revolver that they think was used in the shooting.

Two of Eaker's two young daughters were in the same room at the time of the shooting, officials said. They were not hurt and are now with family members.

Eaker is being held at the Gaston County Jail without bond.

Channel 9 had previously interviewed West after her 4-year-old boy had drowned in a pool in Mooresville. Austin West fell into a pool on April 4, 2015.

Read our past coverage here and here.

A fake fundraising site was created for Austin West on the popular crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. Channel 9 spoke to Lacey West in April 2015 about the fake site.

Another child of West's, Jason Medlin, also died at age 4 in October 2012, the Gazette reports.

Eaker is being held at the Gaston County Jail without bond.

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