UPDATED: Arrest made in Randall “Shorty” Penland’s hit and run death
Business April 26, 2019
HAYESVILLE, NC – An arrest was made in the hit and run death of Randall “Shorty” Penland earlier today, April 26, 2019. A credible source notified FYN that Raymond “Little Ray” Leo Hohmann III, 36, was taken into custody by Clay County Sheriff’s Office, charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony hit and run. Hohmann is a resident of Hayesville, NC.
Penland, 49, was fatally struck on Highway 64, east of Hayesviile, in the Shooting Creek area during the early morning hours of Nov. 16, 2018. Penland was a resident of Hiawassee, GA.
Raymond Leo Hohmann
According to FYN’s source, Hohmann is expected to appear before the Clay County Grand Jury on Monday.
FYN is awaiting an official press release and will provide additional details as they become available.
Feature Photo: Randall “Shorty” Penland
Correction: FYN originally published the suspect’s name, Raymond Leo Hohmann, as being “Junior” rather than the “III” – The article has since been updated.
UPDATED: Official Press Release
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, would like to report an arrest in the 16 November 2018 hit-and-run death of Randall “Shorty” Penland of Hiawassee, GA. Raymond Leo Hohmann III, age 36, of 1334 Old Highway 64 East, Hayesville, NC 28904 was arrested this morning (4/26/2019) and charged with the following offenses:
• Involuntary Manslaughter GS 14-18
• Felony Hit and Run GS 20-166a
• Felony Obstruction GS 14-221.1
Mr. Hohmann was taken before a magistrate where he was placed under a $100,000 Secured Bond and as of the time of this release was still in the custody of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
In the early morning hours of 16 November 2018, Trooper K. D. Hyde of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol was dispatched to US 64 east of Hayesville where the body of Randall “Shorty” Penland had been located. Upon Trooper Hyde’s arrival, he determined that Mr. Penland had been involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, which had left the scene. Deputies and investigators with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office as well as additional Highway Patrol personnel responded to assist and began what would be a five month long investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Penland’s death. Together, the Highway Patrol and Clay County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation which spanned multiple jurisdictions in two states. The charges brought forward today were the culmination of this investigation and were brought under the advisement of local District Attorney’s Office.
UPDATED: Man killed in Hayesville hit and run
News November 18, 2018
HAYESVILLE, NC – FYN learned of a hit and run incident occuring on Highway 64, east of Hayesville, in the Shooting Creek area, during the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. An unidentified male was struck by a vehicle, and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Follow FYN for updated information as it becomes available.
UPDATED: The identity of the victim was Randall “Shorty” Penland, 49, a resident of Hiawassee, Georgia. The North Carolina Highway State Patrol and Clay County Sheriff’s Office are investigating Penland’s death. No arrests have been made at this time.