One bullet, two shots claimed: Newport shooting trial details

Isaac Hamilton, 25, faced a preliminary hearing in Campbell County on Thursday. He is accused of killing his neighbor, Damien Serrano, in a shooting that occurred in Newport during the late hours of October 23.

The dispute began over a specific complaint. Investigators told the court that Hamilton and other witnesses speculated about dog poop found in a basement. That verbal disagreement progressed into a simple misdemeanor assault, according to testimony presented Thursday.

Hamilton stated to police that Serrano punched him in the genitals during the initial argument. Witnesses reported that the two men separated and walked back toward their respective homes while continuing to argue. Hamilton then returned to his residence and came back outside carrying a firearm.

A witness on the scene heard Hamilton say, "Let's see who's big and tough now." Hamilton claimed Serrano then approached him and hit him in the face. Investigators noted that Hamilton showed redness on his face but had no broken bones or black eye.

Hamilton said he fired his gun twice after the second strike. A preliminary report from the coroner's office indicates Serrano was shot only once. Serrano was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Hamilton is currently charged with felony murder. No future court date has been set for the case at this time. His charge awaits a potential indictment from a grand jury.