In 1878, the Hatfields and McCoys went to the justice of the peace over a debate about a pig; the Hatfields believed it belonged to them since it was on their land, while the McCoys claimed original ownership.
The matter was settled when Bill Staton, who was related to both families, gave testimony favoring the Hatfields, who later won the case. Staton, however, wasn’t so lucky; two years later, he would be killed by Sam and Paris McCoy, who claimed self-defense in the matter. West Virginia courts agreed and the two were released.
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Some time later, Randell McCoy's nephew, "Squirrel-Hunting" Sam McCoy, and his brother Paris, were hunting in the woods when a frightened Staton, sure that he was being tracked, fired on the two.
Soon Paris and Staton were locked in a heated, physical struggle.
As Staton gained the upper hand, Sam took aim at Staton, shot and killed him.
Leaving the body in the woods, the two evaded justice until Ellison Hatfield swore out a warrant for the men, contrary to the wishes of Devil Anse.
Sam stood trial for the shooting of Staton with Valentine "Wall" Hatfield, older brother of Devil Anse presiding. The McCoy family was stunned when the decidedly Hatfield jury acquitted Sam on the basis of self-defense.
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It is speculated that the wishes of Devil Anse were carried out since it is said he wanted the well-respected Sam released in the interest of maintaining the peace.
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