By: Ben T.C. Brooks
River Gee County | Nov. 21, 2025 | Authorities in River Gee County have detained a 53-year-old hunter, identified as Sam Nyenpan, after he allegedly shot Tommy Jarwee, 43, during an early-morning hunting trip in the Konken Signboard area.
The incident occurred around 5:56 a.m. on the Jaytuken Road, approximately three kilometers east of the county capital, Fish-Town.
According to information gathered by Verity News, both men were in the forest at the same time but for separate reasons, Nyenpan had been hunting throughout the night, while Jarwee was reportedly checking his trap lines in the same vicinity.
Speaking to investigators, Nyenpan said fatigue and low visibility contributed to the tragedy.
“I had been in the bush all night and didn’t catch anything,” he recounted. “As I was heading home near the Jaytuken main road, I heard a sound at a distance that I thought was an animal. I saw a dark shape, and when I fired, I only heard, ‘The person that shot the gun killed me.’ That’s when I ran over and realized it was my own friend and brother, Tommy.”
Nyenpan insisted the shooting was accidental, stating that he had no knowledge that Jarwee was in the same area.
After realizing his mistake, Nyenpan said he immediately transported Jarwee out of the forest for help before turning himself over to police in Fish-Town.
Jarwee, who sustained injuries from the single-barrel shotgun blast, on his legs was reportedly taken to a native doctor in an undisclosed community to remove the pellets before seeking further medical care.
Local police have confirmed that Nyenpan is currently in custody while the matter is being investigated as a suspected accidental shooting.
Authorities say they are working to verify all details surrounding the incident, including whether safety protocols were followed.
Residents of Konken Signboard and surrounding communities have expressed concern, noting that hunters and trappers often operate in the same areas, increasing the risk of such accidents.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.
