On Friday, December 8, a video shared on YouTube captured a horrific moment when a popular YouTuber’s girlfriend was shot by her ex-boyfriend in the leg at a Martinsburg, West Virginia apartment.
Holle Peno, a Twitch streamer with nearly 17,000 followers, was shot in the leg when her ex-boyfriend, identified only as Conrad, fired through the apartment door. YouTuber Hunter Avallone, who boasts over half a million YouTube subscribers, captured the aftermath in a video that has since gone viral, portraying the terrifying moments following the shooting.
The incident took place just after midday when Conrad, who had been in a tumultuous 11-year relationship with Peno, arrived at Avallone’s home armed with a shotgun. According to Peno, the relationship had ended a few weeks before due to Conrad’s abusive behavior. Avallone recorded the moments after Peno was injured, as they took refuge on the balcony of the apartment, trying to stop Peno’s bleeding with a towel while waiting for police intervention.
In the video, Avallone can be heard communicating with a 911 operator, describing the urgent situation. Police arrived shortly after, and intense moments were recorded as they confronted Conrad, demanding he show his hands, followed by the sound of nearly six gunshots. Conrad succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the apartment hallway.
Peno, in addition to the gunshot wound, suffered injuries from shattered glass and shrapnel. She later shared images of her wounded leg on social media, expressing her shock and emotional turmoil. Despite her physical injuries, she acknowledged the mental and emotional impact of the incident, stating that it has left her heartbroken and in pain.
A GoFundMe campaign was established by a fellow Twitch streamer to assist with Peno’s medical expenses. The campaign aims to cover hospital bills, therapy, travel, food, existing debt, and other personal expenses due to Peno’s inability to work following the incident. As of Sunday afternoon, the campaign had raised over $4,000. The Martinsburg Police Department confirmed the incident, stating that Conrad had discharged a firearm through the exterior door of the building, striking Peno. Officers engaged with Conrad as he attempted to breach an interior door while continuing to fire his weapon. The police response likely prevented further harm.