Family members of a Chesterfield County man accused in the shooting death of his uncle consider the incident a tragic accident.

David Woodfin Jr., 21, received a court-appointed attorney and a Sept. 19 hearing date during a brief appearance yesterday in Powhatan County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Woodfin is accused in the Friday shotgun slaying of his uncle, Donald P. Malkemus Jr., 49, at Malkemus' home in the 3100 block of French Hill Drive in Powhatan County.

The two worked together as arborists, and the shooting was a result of an altercation that escalated, family members said after the hearing.

Woodfin's younger sister, Katelyn Woodfin, said the killing was unintentional.

"My brother loved my uncle, and I don't think he meant to do what he did," said the 18-year-old Woodfin, who lived with her brother.

Elizabeth Malkemus, Woodfin's mother and the victim's sister, called the incident a terrible accident.

"I feel in my heart that Donald has forgiven my son," she said outside the courthouse -- visibly shaken as she attempted to wrestle with conflicting emotions.

John Tuttle, an arborist and friend of David Woodfin and Donald Malkemus, said both were fine, upstanding people. Tuttle, a deacon at First Baptist Church in Powhatan, is acting as the family's spiritual adviser.

"The love of the Lord will pull both families through this," he said.

Judge Valentine W. Southall Jr. appointed Richmond lawyer Rodney Jefferson to represent Woodfin, who faces charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

He could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on both counts.
Contact Calvin R. Trice at (540) 932-3674 or ctrice@timesdispatch.com.