NC college student killed at off-campus party

BOONE, N.C. — Police in North Carolina say the shooting death of a college student at an off-campus party appears to have been an accident.

Multiple media outlets reported that 20-year-old Appalachian State University student Jay Derby of Matthews was killed in Boone early Sunday morning.

Mike Derby says his son was studying business and planned to be home for Thanksgiving.

Police say the shooting happened about 12:30 a.m. Sunday at an apartment complex that attracts students.

Paramedics say Derby was dead when they arrived.

Police have referred the case to local prosecutors to decide if charges will be filed.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)