A body was discovered early Saturday morning in Lumberport, West Virginia, with authorities confirming the man had sustained a gunshot wound. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, supported by the Lumberport Fire Department and Harrison County EMS.
The discovery was made at approximately on Jack Run Road, according to statements released by law enforcement officials. Details remain limited as the investigation unfolds, but the presence of a gunshot wound has immediately focused attention on a potential homicide.
The incident occurs less than a week after the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department arrested two 18-year-olds and a juvenile in connection with a separate shooting on Steeplechase Drive, . Kyron Jcari James, of Gulfport, faces charges of aggravated assault, while Shawanda Starks, also of Gulfport, is charged with accessory after the fact. The juvenile is being held at the Harrison County Youth Detention Center, also on charges of being an accessory after the fact. That shooting, which took place on , involved a physical altercation that escalated into gunfire, leaving one man hospitalized in stable condition.
While authorities have not publicly linked the two incidents, the proximity in time and location raises questions about a potential increase in violent crime within Harrison County. The Sheriff’s Department has not commented on whether the shootings are related, and investigators are currently treating each case as separate entities.
The discovery on Jack Run Road prompted a rapid response from emergency services. The Lumberport Fire Department and Harrison County EMS were dispatched to the scene alongside sheriff’s deputies, indicating the seriousness of the situation. The nature of the gunshot wound – specifically, that it was to the chest – suggests a potentially targeted attack, though investigators have not yet confirmed this.
Harrison County, located in north-central West Virginia, is a largely rural area with a population of approximately 68,000. While not typically known for high levels of violent crime, the recent spate of shootings has understandably caused concern among residents. The county’s economy is primarily based on natural resource extraction, including coal and natural gas, and has faced economic challenges in recent decades as these industries have declined.
The ongoing investigation is expected to involve a thorough forensic examination of the scene on Jack Run Road, as well as interviews with potential witnesses. Authorities are likely to be canvassing the area for any information that might shed light on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. The lack of immediate information suggests investigators are being cautious in their approach, prioritizing the integrity of the investigation over rapid dissemination of details.
The West Virginia State Police have not been called in to assist with the investigation at this time, according to available information. However, given the severity of the crime and the limited details currently available, state authorities could become involved if the investigation requires additional resources or expertise.
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has not released the identity of the victim, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to notify next of kin. This is standard procedure in such cases, and authorities are likely to withhold the victim’s name until family members have been informed. The lack of a name further complicates efforts to understand the context of the shooting and potential motives.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by rural law enforcement agencies in investigating violent crimes. Limited resources, geographic isolation, and a lack of specialized expertise can all hinder investigations. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office will likely rely on its existing relationships with neighboring agencies and state authorities to overcome these challenges.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further updates will be provided as they become available from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Residents are encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office with any information they may have regarding the shooting on Jack Run Road.
