Four Murdered, Killer Found Dead In Truck

"MORGANTOWN, WV — A West Virginia man suspected in four killings in separate shootings was discovered dead in his truck of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a nine-hour manhunt, police said Monday.

"Jody Lee Hunt, 39, of Westover was found in a clearing in the woods in the southern part of Monongalia County, inside his 2011 Ford F-150, according to state police.

"The vehicle and body were found about 7 pm in `a power line right of way,` spokesman Lt. Dennis Johnson said.

"Hunt was wanted in two shootings in the Westover area and another in the Cheat Lake area in Monongalia County, spokesman Lt. Michael Baylous said. Medical officials will work to confirm the identity of the body, he said.

"Officials said they would not release further information Monday night. On Tuesday, investigators at each of the three crime scenes will `sit down and piece all those puzzle pieces together and find out how this all happened,` Baylous said.

"Into Monday evening, state and local police had fanned out in search of Hunt, who was believed to be driving a 2011 Ford F-150 extended cab truck with license plate OLK 303.

"The truck reportedly has a sticker reading `Rough Country` in the back window and a Black Tonneau cover over the bed, reports the station.

"State police spokesman Lt Michael Baylous identified the two victims killed in the Cheat Lake area as Berkshire of Westover, as well as Michael David Frum, 28. They were found inside a home.

"The third identified victim, Doug Brady, was found dead inside his Westover business, Doug's Towing.

"A November 7 Facebook post from Berkshire appears to show the very same truck Hunt is believed to have been driving, along with the words, 'New ride for this girl !!!!'

"According to Monongalia County Circuit Court records, Berkshire filed a domestic violence case against Hunt some time last month.

"Unfortunately, her efforts appear to have come too late. Court records also indicated there were no protective orders currently in place for Berkshire."

Source: Daily Mail...

Killer Walks Away After Shooting Himself

"CHARLES TOWN, WV — Police believe a man who shot his estranged wife to death in the Patrick Henry Estates subdivision in the Charles Town area Friday night had been drinking heavily before the shooting and that the shooting occurred in a fit of anger over the prospect of the two getting a divorce, Jefferson County Sheriff Peter Dougherty said Sunday night.

"Dougherty said 42-year-old Harold Stambaugh Jr. allegedly shot Victoria Stambaugh to death in her mother's house on 408 Beauregard Boulevard with a .40-caliber handgun, then shot himself in the head. Dougherty said Harold Stambaugh fell down in the living room of the home and laid there for a period of time after firing a shot into his mouth.

"Then Stambaugh got up, put a `towel or something` against his head and walked to a house at 254 Fulton Ave., where he had been staying, Dougherty said.

"Dougherty said the Fulton Avenue house is where Stambaugh and Victoria Stambaugh had been living before she began staying at her mother's house.

"`There was very little blood between (the Beauregard Boulevard house) and the Fulton Avenue house,` Dougherty said.

"Dougherty said Victoria Stambaugh was shot multiple times, but he declined to say how many. He said an autopsy will be conducted to determine exactly how many times she was shot.

"Police said on Saturday that Harold Stambaugh Jr. was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va., after the shooting. Although police said Saturday that Stambaugh was in critical condition, he was expected to survive."

Read more at heraldmedia.com...

Suspected Killer Found Dead In Creek

"PARKERSBURG, WV — Parkersburg Police say it all started with a homicide on Saturday.

"They say Daniel Whipkey was found dead, with bruises on Lulu Street in Parkersburg.

"His roommate, Robert Gagliardi, tells them Whipkey has a history of health problems and had been drinking and fell down the steps Friday night.

"Investigators say in the initial investigation on Saturday they found a hole in the wall and other evidence to show that was possible, and no obvious signs of foul play.

"Still, with some suspicion, police sent the body for an autopsy.

"Police say autopsy results on Monday showed a different story—that Whipkey had been beaten to death.

"Investigators say neighbors also began to talk, saying the two roommates had a history of fighting.

"Police say they had intentions to interview Gagliardi again on Tuesday but instead they found his body, dead from an apparent suicide by Worthington Creek.

"While Parkersburg Police Chief Joe Martin says it is not officially case closed without a few more interviews, they do believe the two are the only ones involved in the fight that killed Whipkey and clear evidence Gagliardi did shoot himself.

"Whipkey is 54-years-old, Gagliardi is 45-years-old."

Source: TheNewsCenter...

Couple Pronounced Dead At Scene

"MINERAL WELLS, WV — Police say a Wood County couple has died in an apparent murder/suicide.

"The Wood County Sheriff’s Department tells media outlets that investigators believe James Auvil, 53, shot Christina Johnston, 43, multiple times with a pistol, and then shot himself.

"The sheriff’s department says deputies went to the couple’s home in the Oaks Trailer Park in Mineral Wells on Tuesday after Johnston called police and said Auvil was threatening her and himself. Johnston and Auvil were pronounced dead at the scene.

"The shootings remain under investigation."

From wvgazette.com...

Divorced Couple Pronounced Dead At Scene

"AURORA, WV — The Preston County Sheriff's Department responded to a shots fired complaint early Saturday morning in Preston County.

"According to a news release sent by the department, the complaint came from 26005 George Washington Highway near Aurora around 4:30 a.m.

"When officers arrived at the scene they found that Paul Edward Sisler, 52, shot and killed his ex-wife, Reda Jane Sisler, 46, with a pistol.

"After shooting her, he turned the gun on himself.

"Both were pronounced dead at the scene."

From WBOY.com...

"It's Just So Senseless"

"COMFORT, WV — A Boone County man committed a murder/suicide Thursday morning near the community of Comfort according to State Police.

"Spokesman 1st Sgt. Michael Baylous said 45-year-old Bobby Hatcher shot and killed his wife, 34-year-old Reba Hatcher, during a domestic dispute in the couple’s mobile home on Joe’s Creek Road. He then took another handgun, walked into the living room and killed himself.

"`It’s just so senseless. There was obviously some kind of dispute between a husband and wife and there were children in the household and now the children are going to live the rest of their lives without either of their parents,` Baylous said.

"Reba Hatcher’s children, 10 and 5, ran from the mobile to get help. They were not injured. State Police said another man, Bobby Davis, Jr., 44, was also in the mobile home at the time and uninjured.

"Troopers said he was an acquaintance. The couple had been married for about two years."

From wvmetronews.com...

One Dead, Two Injured After Family Disagreement

"CHARLESTON, WV — A teenage girl is dead, another teen is wounded and an elderly man is seriously hurt after an apparently botched murder-suicide on 225 Keystone Drive, just south of Yeager Airport, at about 7:30 p.m. Friday.

"Roy Roger Pittman, 69, killed his 15-year-old adopted stepdaughter with a shotgun blast to the chest and shot his 18-year-old adopted stepson in the upper leg Friday evening after a family dispute, according to Kanawha County Chief Deputy Mike Rutherford.

"When police arrived at the scene and ordered Pittman to put his weapon down, he turned the 12-gauge shotgun on himself and `shot himself in the face,` Rutherford said.

"`They were having a family disagreement, and he shot his adopted daughter inside the house... then he walked next door to where his adopted son was and shot him,` Rutherford said. `He then went to the back porch of his residence and, when he was ordered to put down the weapon, he shot himself in the jaw.`

"Pittman was alive and being treated at CAMC General Hospital late Friday. The stepson was being treated for his leg wound.

"Pittman's wife, and the mother of the two children, made the 911 call after hearing the gunshots, Rutherford said."

From the Charleston Gazette...

Deputies Find Bodies After 911 Hangup Call

"MAIDSVILLE, WV &mbdash; Monongalia County Sheriff's deputies found two people dead at a home Monday morning and are investigating the case as a murder-suicide.

"Police responded to the home on Merle Yost Road, about 14 miles west of Morgantown, at about 10 a.m. Monday. A 911 hang-up call originated from the residence, prompting the response, Sheriff Al Kisner said.

"`It was a 911 hang up, and then there was other information received by the 911 center that was dispatched to the responding deputy,` Kisner said. `When they got there, the scene was what the deputies found.`

"Kisner said the two people were `family members,` but he did not specify how they were related. Police also did not reveal how the two people died. However, Kisner said foul play is suspected.

"`At this point, we're looking at this as a murder/suicide, unless the investigation goes in another direction,` Kisner said. `It doesn't appear that it will.`

"The names of the victims have not been released, as police notify family members. "

From WAJR.com...

"End-Of-Life" Was Doctor's Specialty

"CROSS LANES, WV — A doctor who specialized in end-of-life care and his wife were found shot to death in their Cross Lanes home Monday. Sheriff's deputies believe the two were killed in a murder/suicide.

"Neighbors identified the man in the home as Dr. Bruce Foster. His wife, Marlise Foster, was identified later. Both were in their early 60s.

"Kanawha Sheriff's Cpl. Brian Humphreys said outside the home that both victims had gunshot wounds, and a gun was found in the home.

"The `working theory,` Humphreys said, is that the deaths are a murder/suicide. There are no other suspects, he said.

"Bruce Foster's co-workers came to the Flairwood Drive home Monday because Foster hadn't shown up for work, said the Fosters' next-door neighbors, Jon and Betty Walker.

"Jon Walker, who was getting ready to work on his car, helped the co-workers get into the Fosters' house, where they found the two bodies.

"No one had heard from the couple since Saturday, Humphreys said."

From wvgazette.com...

Police Arrive Within Minutes Of Shooting

"CHARLESTON, WV — Police said a Charleston man shot another man to death inside a West Side home on Sunday night, then killed himself.

"Michael Cassell, 36, was shot multiple times inside the bedroom of his home at 926 Red Oak St. by Patrick Price, 34, of Randolph Street, police said at a news conference this morning. Price then shot himself, police said.

"Cassell's wife and 11-year-old daughter were in the home when the shooting happened, but escaped unharmed, police said.

"Police said the incident could be characterized as a home invasion, even though Price and Cassell knew each other.

"`It was definitely not random,` said Charleston Police Department Lt. Steve Cooper. `The suspect in this case was specifically targeted.`

"The shooting happened at 9:34 p.m. Sunday, police said. Both men were dead when police got to the scene minutes later."

From the Gazette...

Neighbors Report Hearing Yelling And Screaming

"MINGO COUNTY, WV — Investigators are on the scene of an apparent murder-suicide.

"Police were called to a home on 12th Pole Creek Road in the Dingess area of Mingo County just after 10 p.m. Sunday.

"Investigators [said] they found a husband and wife shot dead inside. It is still unclear what may have sparked the shootings.

"Emergency workers say there were kids inside the home at the time of the shootings.

"Neighbors describe hearing yelling and screaming before the shots rang out.

"Both the Mingo County Sheriff's deputies and State Police troopers are on the scene."

From WSAZ...

Argument Between Estranged Couple Leads To Gunfire

"POINT PLEASANT, WV — The man who police say shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself has died.

"Point Pleasant Police Chief Ernie Watterson [said] Richard Franklin, 49, died about 1 a.m. Monday at a Huntington Hospital.

"Police say Kelli Franklin, 43, was shot and killed about 12:30 p.m. Sunday at her home on 1905 North Main Street.

"Officers say her estranged husband, Richard, got into an argument with Kelli and it spiraled out of control with Richard shooting Kelli and then turning the gun on himself.

"Kelli Franklin died at the scene. Richard Franklin was still alive when officers arrived and was rushed to Pleasant Valley Hospital. He was later transferred to Cabell Huntington Hospital.

"Neighbors describe hearing several gunshots and then called 911.

"Family members of the victim say the couple has not lived together for several months."

From WSAZ...

Murder/Suicide Ends In City Jail

"BLUEFIELD, WV — A Mercer County man arrested for fatally shooting a man and critically injuring a woman committed suicide Wednesday in the city's jail, police said.

"Authorities found Donald Ray Adams, 54, of Bluefield, dead from apparent suicide inside his Bluefield jail cell just before 4 p.m., Bluefield Police said. Further questions were forwarded to State Police troopers in the Princeton detachment. Troopers were not available at the detachment Wednesday night.

"Just before midnight Monday, Bluefield Police officers were called to 201 Burton Street in Bluefield to investigate a call of shots fired. Police then found Monica Watkins critically injured and her husband, John, 79, dead from a single gunshot wound, according to a complaint.

"Monica Watkins was responsive and identified Adams as the shooter, according to the complaint. She later told paramedics Adams allegedly stole $200 in cash and her checkbook after the shooting. She was taken to Bluefield Regional Medical Center and was later moved to the hospital in Virginia."

From the Charleston Gazette...

"They Said He Was A Nice Guy"

"HURRICANE, WV — Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in western Putnam County.

"The incident happened Wednesday night in a residence along Kelly’s Cove, a street off Harbour Lane between Main Street and W.Va. 34 in Hurricane, W.Va.

"A strange message to family prompted officers to conduct a well-being check at the residence, said Hurricane Police Chief Mike Mullins. Once there, an officer looked through a window and noticed a deceased body.

"Police would soon find the bodies of both a man and woman inside. Mullins said evidence indicates the man used a kitchen knife to first kill the woman. He then used a long-barrel gun to take his own life.

"An infant, 9 to 10 months, was inside at the time. Mullins said the child was taken by Child Protective Services and later turned over to family.

"`It’s very tragic,` he said. `The neighbors all said this was a good family. They said he was a nice guy, but evidently they didn’t know him very well.`

"Investigators have no motive. Mullins said the man did not leave behind any note."

From herald-dispatch.com...

"It Just Seems Like A Bad Dream"

"WEIRTON, WV — Weirton police investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a husband and wife were found dead in their home Monday night.

"Officials said Luke Shields is suspected to have shot and killed his wife, Toni, then turned the gun on himself.

"Family members who went to check on the couple discovered their bodies.

"Police responded to the couple's home at 267 Seneca Street around 9 p.m. after the family called authorities.

"A neighbor of the couple, Ralph Cunningham, said, `It just seems like a bad dream... I never expected that.`

"Cunningham said he thought Shields was having a tough time but never thought this would happen.

"`He came up here a couple of times to talk to me about stuff. I wish he would have come up this time here to talk, but it's too late now,` Cunningham said. `You don't really expect this anywhere. Really it's the last thing that goes through your mind that something like this would happen.`

"As of noon, the incident remained under investigation and a limited amount of information was being released."

From wtov9.com...

Father And Son Found Shot Dead

"PRINCETON, WV — Mercer County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of shots fired Saturday afternoon at a townhouse outside of Princeton, and discovered an apparent murder-suicide involving a father and son.

"`We believe it was a domestic situation,` Mercer County Sheriff D.B. `Don` Meadows said. `There was nothing that we knew of that would have led to something like this.` He said that the department had no record of being called to that address recently.

"After law enforcement officers and emergency personnel secured the scene, Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ash and a representative of the state medical examiners office, who was in Beckley, arrived at the scene and together, confirmed that it was an apparent murder-suicide.

"Clarence Moore II, 51, and his son, John Paul Moore, 21, both of Princeton, both died of gunshot wounds, according to Meadows. Deputies recovered a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol at the scene.

"`The boy shot himself. There’s no question of that,` Meadows said. `Both bodies will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Charleston.`

"Meadows said that the boy left a note, but he did not divulge its contents."

From the Bluefield Daily Telegraph...

Bodies Found In Rural West Virginia

"CRUM, WV — West Virginia State Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in western Wayne County.

"The incident, a reported shooting, happened Sunday evening along Lost Creek Road in Crum, according to state police.

"West Virginia State Police have identified those killed as Nim Bowens Jr. and Tammy Bernice Bowen.

"Troopers have not released details as to who died of suicide."

Source: herald-dispatch.com...

"Fight" Ends With Two Dead

"BOMONT, WV — Two people are dead after what appears to be a murder suicide in Clay County.

"It happened on Darnell Hollow Road in Bomont around 1:30 a.m. Friday.

"Troopers say that Frances Bishop, 49, was shot by her husband, Ervin Bishop, 57, during a fight. He then turned the gun on himself.

"We're told the couple was in the process of getting a divorce, and that Frances Bishop was trying to leave the home when she was shot in the back.

"The couple's 8-year-old grandchild was in the home at the time of the incident and called her dad. He called 911 when he got to the house."

From WCHS-TV...

Police Suspect Fire Was Murder/Suicide

"CHEYENNE, WY — Laramie County investigators say it appears that a Cheyenne woman killed herself and her 11-year-old daughter in an arson fire last week.

"The Laramie County Sheriff's Office on Friday identified the dead girl as Miriam Ortiz.

"Ortiz is the daughter of 34-year-old Erica Delgado, who was also found dead in the burned trailer on the south side of Cheyenne on Feb 3.

"Capt. Rich Hillegas with the Laramie County Sheriff's Office says investigators have recovered surveillance video of Delgado buying gasoline at a local convenience store before the fire. Hillegas says investigators have recovered text messages that indicated Delgado intended to commit suicide but says he couldn't release details."

Source: Billings Gazette...

Cops Knock, Murder Suspect Kills Himself

"INSTITUTE, WV — An Institute man shot himself in the head as deputies investigating a tip of a possible homicide knocked on the door of his apartment, authorities said.

"Kanawha County deputies received a tip about 4 p.m. Thursday of a possible homicide in the Insitute area, Chief Deputy John Rutherford said. Detectives confirmed the information through witness interviews and were able to establish enough probable cause to secure a search warrant for an apartment on Barron Drive.

"Detectives and deputies went to 107 A Barron Drive a few hours later.

"`They knocked and announced 'Sheriff's Department, search warrant,' for several minutes before a few of the deputies went around to the back,` Rutherford said. `As they were knocking on the back door, they heard a muffled pop and immediately made entry.`

"Inside deputies found a black man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene and the weapon was recovered.

"The body was taken to the office of the state Medical Examiner."

From the Charleston Daily Mail...

UPDATE:

01/20/2012 — Victim's head & hands found in car...
01/23/2012 — Search for body parts called off...