A 61-year-old man in Steele was found dead from a gunshot wound early Wednesday morning.

The victim was identified as Steven Ray Kirchner, 61, after the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at 5175 Beason Cove Road in Steele. Kirchner was found deceased from a gunshot wound. 

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office was contacted about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office had a suspect detained who allegedly stated he was involved in a shooting at the residence in St. Clair County. 

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office along with the Center for Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University are processing the scene.

After extensive investigation the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the case. 

Princeton Craig Pate, 60, of Steele, was booked in to the St. Clair County Jail in Ashville and charged with murder. There is currently no bond. He was scheduled to see the judge on Wednesday afternoon.