By Stephen Smoot
Authorities have not yet released detailed information, but last Thursday the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Department and West Virginia State Police responded at 2:30 a.m. near the 4400 block of Blue Gray Trail east of Franklin.
The approximate address lies near the West Virginia State Police barracks for Pendleton County.
A release from Pendleton County Sheriff B. D. Kimble stated that “upon arrival to the scene, law enforcement located two deceased individuals.” Investigators determined, then released to the public that “this incident is believed to be isolated and there is no risk to the public at this time.”
The Pendleton County Sheriff ‘s Department is also receiving support and assistance in its investigation from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources police.
While no law enforcement authorities have yet identified the victims or released information about them or their household social media postings, including a GoFundMe page, have identified them as Justin Bowers and his wife, Taylar.
The GoFundMe page was created by Keyser resident Mark Tranum and has been shared by him and his wife, Membrance, on regional Facebook pages. It states that “Justin was a US Army and Afghanistan veteran, and he and Taylar were very loving parents.” The page goes on to say that their children, who were unharmed in the attack, will be cared for by a loving family.
As of Monday, the account had raised $5,000.
Officials have not yet publicly speculated on a suspect or suspects, nor have they identified a potential motive for the tragedy.
On Monday, Kimble issued a release stating that “The Pendleton County Sheriff’s Department is no longer looking for any suspects in this investigation. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not releasing any further information in this case. We ask that you also respect their privacy at this time.”
The sheriff reiterated that there is no threat to the general public related to this incident.
Due to the presence of school age children adjacent to the crime, Pendleton County Schools Superintendent Nicole Hevener also issued a release directed at parents or guardians and families of students who, for any reason, might be traumatized by the event.
It read, “If you need resources for how to support your family and children, please reach out to Mr. Lambert or Ms. Judy at dr*******@****wv.us or Al******@****wv.us.”
