A Watauga County deputy was involved in an overnight shooting death, according to Sheriff Len Hagaman and the SBI.

SBI assistant public information officer Jennifer Canada in the Raleigh office confirmed that 64-year-old Robert Wickson King was killed in the incident. Sheriff Len Hagaman said that the incident occurred early this morning in the 1200 block of Roby Greene road, and that deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the SBI probe.  The SBI has identified the deputy as Aaron Franklin Billings.  Residents of the area report that investigators were out early this morning with metal detectors, combing the roadsides.  Other details are to come from the SBI, according to the sheriff.