PRINCETON, WV (WOAY) – Judge Brian Cochran has won the Mercer County Circuit Court election outright.
According to preliminary results, Cochran defeated Family Court Judge Adam Wolfe in the May primary.
Governor Patrick Morrisey appointed Cochran to the seat in January to fill the vacancy left by Judge William Sadler’s retirement at the end of last year.
Cochran has served as Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney since 2020 and brings more than three decades of combined law enforcement and legal experience to the bench. He started his career as a city police officer, then a deputy sheriff, and then a West Virginia State Trooper for more than 16 years before earning his law degree in 2007.
RENICK, WV (WOAY) – State Senate District 10 incumbent Vince Deeds has survived a Republican primary election challenge from Lewisburg pastor Jonathan Comer.
According to the Associated Press, Deeds will advance to the general election against Kent Gilkerson, who won the Democratic primary unopposed.
Deeds’s victory is a rebuke of Governor Patrick Morrisey’s attempt to push legislators who he felt were not conservative enough out of the legislature. Morrisey endorsed Jonathan Comer roughly a month before the election.
“A group of status quo, liberal legislators have opposed our conservative, pro-Trump policies every step of the way,” Morrisey’s post endorsing Comer reads. “We must educate the public about the current composition of the Senate and the House and elect more change agents to public office — officials who want to put West Virginia first and who want our state to reach her potential. Many elected legislators claim to be Republicans, but in practice are RINOs— Republicans in name only.”
Senator Shelley Moore Capito endorsed Deeds shortly after the governor made his endorsement. Capito made it clear that she supported Deeds and his record in the state senate.
“[Vince Deeds is] a fantastic state senator,” she said. “We gotta get Vince back in the state senate. He does great work for our state, he does great work for his community, and we’ve worked on a couple things together locally. I want to see us all send Vince back to the state senate.”
U.S. Representative Carol Miller co-sponsored the amendment aimed at addressing drinking water violations in Southern West Virginia.
CABELL COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Representative Carol Miller is one step closer to winning her fifth term in office.
According to the Associated Press, she is the winner over Larry Jackson, a Wyoming County businessman.
She will be the heavy favorite in the November general election and is set to face off against the winner of the Democratic primary between Vince George and Britta Aguirre.
Miller currently serves on the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives.
PIKEVIEW, WV (WOAY) – Newswatch has confirmed that all wins for Pikeview’s high school baseball team before May 1 will be vacated and listed as a forfeit.
Athletic Director Jason Underwood told us that it is a result of a student being determined ineligible.
The school is currently preparing a statement with more information, and we will continue to update you once we learn more.
Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – Fayette County Sheriff Jess McMullen states that the Sheriff’s Department is investigating a stabbing.
The stabbing took place early Monday morning in the Prudence area of Fayette County.
Deputies were dispatched due to a report that an injured person went to a residence asking for help. Other calls reported that a male tried to enter nearby houses.
Deputies found a man with a stab wound to the chest. The victim stated Casey O. Workman was the person who attacked him. Deputies then found Workman nearby, and he was taken into custody with no incident.
The deputies on scene then contacted the Sheriff’s Department Detective Bureau to investigate.
Workman has been charged with the felony offense of malicious wounding. Deputies also executed an active circuit court bench warrant on him.
The victim was transported for care and is in stable condition.
We will continue to track this headline and update you as we learn more.
Lincoln County, WV (WOAY) – A Wyoming County woman is in custody after troopers say she fired shots inside a Lincoln County convenience store during an alleged armed robbery attempt.
According to a press release from the West Virginia State Police, on Friday, May 1, 2026, 42-year-old Rebecca Peterson of Oceana allegedly entered the Shell Station on Little Coal River Road in Alum Creek, WV, with the intention to commit a robbery.
An investigation by troopers revealed that Peterson fired multiple rounds from a firearm and then left the scene in a vehicle.
She was later stopped in Kanawha County and taken into custody.
Rebecca Peterson is charged with Attempted Armed Robbery, Wanton Endangerment, Brandishing, Assault, and Destruction of Property and is currently awaiting arraignment.
She is currently being held in the Western Regional Jail.
Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Beckley police are investigating a shooting that left one man in critical condition Tuesday evening.
Officers responded to the 100 Block of Temple Street shortly after 6 p.m., according to the Beckley Police Department. Detectives found a male victim who had been shot multiple times.
The victim was initially transported to a local hospital, then flown by helicopter to another medical facility for further treatment. His condition remains critical.
Detectives are canvassing the area and interviewing witnesses. The victim’s identity is currently being withheld. Police say additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers at Crimestopperswv.com or by calling 304-255-STOP. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and rewards are paid for information leading to an arrest.
Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office will offer residents a safe alternative to dispose of medications.
The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative #30 on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
Residents can take unused or expired medications to Crab Orchard Pharmacy, located at 1299 Robert C. Byrd Drive in Crab Orchard, WV.
The Sheriff’s Office also has a permanent drop box inside the Law Enforcement Division at 308 Ned Payne Drive in Beckley, available for residents year-round.
The initiative aims to help prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, and the distribution of medications to the wrong hands.
For more information, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 304-255-9300.
Kanawha County, WV (WOAY) – Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Kanawha County on the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026.
According to a media release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Bureau of Investigations is assisting the Nitro Police Department with a murder investigation that took place in the parking lot at the Nitro Marketplace Walmart.
The victim is being identified as an adult female who sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to deputies, this remains an active and ongoing investigation. They are questioning a person of interest in regards to the case.
Deputies are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at (304)357-0169 or submit tips online to www.kanawhasheriff.us
Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – A Fayette County man has been sentenced to prison for multiple charges.
According to a media release from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of Fayette County, 61-year-old George E. “Speedy” Legg of Gallagher, WV, appeared in court for sentencing on Tuesday, March 21, 2026.
Legg was sentenced to one (1) to five (5) years in prison for the felony crime of fleeing in a vehicle with reckless indifference to the safety of others and to a consecutive term of one (1) to three (3) years in prison for the felony crime of third offense driving on a license revoked for DUI. Legg was also fined a total of $4,000.00.
Legg entered a guilty plea to both crimes on August 25, 2025. Legg must serve a minimum of two (2) years before becoming eligible for parole.
The charges stem from Legg’s arrest on May 25, 2024, when a Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy observed Legg driving a vehicle in the Armstrong Creek area of Fayette County.
Based on prior interactions with Legg, the deputy believed Legg did not have a valid driver’s license and the deputy attempted a traffic stop.
Instead of stopping, Legg fled in the vehicle reaching speeds exceeding 90 mph on Armstrong Creek Road, which has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Legg also made contact with the deputy’s cruiser after he turned the vehicle around during the pursuit. The pursuit ended when Legg reached Craig Hollow Road, he unsuccessfully attempted to turn around at a locked gate and was apprehended.
George E. “Speedy” Legg has multiple prior convictions including driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license and for fleeing from police in multiple counties.
In 2016, Legg was convicted of delivery of methamphetamine and driving on a license revoked for DUI, third offense in Fayette County.
Charleston, WV (WOAY) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey has signed a 5% income tax cut into law, with the reduction set to take effect in June.
Morrisey had pushed for a 10% cut, and his proposed budget reflected that figure. He indicated a desire to work with the legislature to achieve the remaining 5% reduction.
Lawmakers ultimately settled on the smaller cut following debate over whether the state could absorb a 10% reduction.
WELCH, WV (WOAY) – The McDowell County school system says it is working with law enforcement as police continue an investigation into a Mount View teacher accused of sexually abusing a then seventeen-year-old student in a classroom.
Tyree Donell Baker was arrested today following an investigation that began on March 23. It culminated in his arrest on March 26.
Newswatch briefly spoke with Baker as he was walked into the McDowell Sheriff’s Office for processing. He told us that he was innocent.
“We arrested him at his home in Kimball, West Virginia,” McDowell County Chief Deputy Dalton T. Martin told Newswatch in an interview. “[The alleged crimes] occurred between October 1st, 2025 and December 31st, 2026, at Mount View High School.”
In his criminal complaint, Martin said that the alleged abuse happened on at least ten occasions.
He said he received a complaint from the McDowell County Superintendent Ingrida Barker and a school counselor. According to the complaint, the counselor said the alleged victim told her son that Baker had sexual contact with the victim.
Deputies also spoke with a physical education teacher, who said that Baker had checked the alleged victim out of gym class several times and brought him back to Baker’s classroom.
Deputies recovered security video from October 7 that they said showed Baker pulling the alleged victim from gym class.
Deputies interviewed the alleged victim, who told them that Baker had sexually abused him on numerous occasions.
The victim also said that Baker allegedly threatened to harm the alleged victim, the alleged victim’s family, and himself if the alleged victim “didn’t perform sexual acts, if [the victim] got new friends or a girlfriend.”
Baker now faces multiple charges.
“He’s currently charged with sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust, ten counts. He’s also charged with a prohibited sexual acts against a student by a school employee, ten counts, and solicitation of a minor by other means, ten counts,” Martin said.
In a written statement, Superintendent Ingrida Barker told Newswatch that she couldn’t say much about the situation due to the sensitive nature and the ongoing investigation. However, she said that the school system is working with police closely.
“McDowell County schools is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. At this time, due to the sensitive nature of the situation and to respect legal and personnel processes, we are not able to provide additional details or comment further as we are working closely with local law enforcement,” she said. “Our priority remains maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students and employees. We appreciate the community’s understanding, patience, and continued support as we navigate this matter together.”
The criminal complaint states that other evidence may be forthcoming. We will update you as we learn more.
Caleb Pearl and Micah Leith contributed to reporting in this story.
McDowell County, WV (WOAY) – A McDowell County Schools employee has been arrested on multiple sex related charges.
According to court documents, the sexual misconduct allegations under investigation date back to October 2025 and continued through December 2025, involving a teacher and a student at Mount View High School in Welch.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Department began its investigation on Monday, March 23, 2026, after it was notified by McDowell County Schools officials.
27-year-old Tyree Donell Baker of Kimball, WV, has been charged with 10 counts of Sexual Abuse by a person in a position of trust, 10 counts of Prohibiting sexual contact against students by school employees, and 10 counts of Solicitation of a minor by other means.
According to the criminal complaint, Baker allegedly made threats to harm the student and his family if he disclosed any details about the abuse.
WOAY will continue to follow this story and provide future updates.
Summers County, WV (WOAY) – The Summers County Sheriff’s Department has captured an escaped fugitive.
Sheriff Faris and Sargent Ward found and apprehended Jason Pittman, who allegedly escaped on the 15 of February from the Raleigh County Department of Corrections.
Pittman was taken into custody without incident in the Judson Road area.
The sheriff’s office also arrested Darren Forren for obstructing law enforcement in the performance of their duties.
OAK HILL, WV (WOAY) – Oak Hill City Manager Cris Meadows has resigned after less than a year on the job.
Meadows’ resignation was announced during tonight’s special meeting of the Oak Hill City Council. Council members went into a lengthy executive session to discuss a personnel matter.
When council returned, they announced his resignation and acceptance of early retirement. Council said they wished him well.
Tyler Bragg was named interim city manager. He currently serves as GIS coordinator for the city.
Meadows was hired last July. He had previously served as Hinton’s city manager for 22 years.
The reason for Meadows’s resignation was not immediately announced. We will update you as we learn more.
McDowell County, WV (WOAY) – We have an update on the lockdown at McDowell County Schools on Friday, March 13.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office is telling Newswatch that around 9 a.m. on Friday, they responded to a report of a shooting at Iaeger Elementary School.
All schools in McDowell County were put on lockdown, and State Police joined deputies to secure the area.
The lockdown began at roughly 9:30 and was lifted at around 11.
Officers determined the report was unfounded. The students, staff, and public were never in danger. Once the scene was secured, the lockdown lifted.
This situation is still under investigation, with police stating interviews with potential suspects are ongoing.
District leaders say they understand situations like this can be frightening, but regular safety training helped staff and students respond appropriately.
We will continue to track this story as we learn more. You can read the previous report here.
FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – A Charleston attorney and Fayetteville resident is facing multiple misdemeanor charges in connection with an accident that caused a partial collapse and fire at a house on Gatewood Rd on Christmas Eve.
Wesley Queen has been charged with one count of driving under the influence; one count of reckless driving; one count of unlawful removal, injury, or destruction of property; failure to maintain control, and one count of expired motor vehicle registration.
Magistrate court records indicate that Queen appeared in Magistrate Court today. He was released on a $1,500 cash bond.
A misdemeanor complaint obtained by Newswatch lays out new details about the accident and subsequent investigation.
Fayette County 911 received a call at around 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. A homeowner, Jodie Gray, said that a truck had hit her house and caused a partial collapse and fire. She said the driver of the truck was lying on the ground.
Deputies responded to the scene. When they got there, they said they found the truck fully engulfed in flames. EMS and fire units were already on scene and fighting the fire.
Deputies said they found tire tracks leading from the road to the house, a utility pole that was split in half and fully uprooted, a large broken tree limb, a bag of trash, an empty beer can, and scattered pieces of the vehicle.
According to the complaint, EMS personnel on scene told deputies that Queen was acting in a way “consistent with possible impairment of an unknown substance that could compromise the defendant’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.”
Several days later, deputies served a search warrant for records at Charleston Area Medical Center’s records building. According to the complaint, they were unable to find a toxicology report or blood work, but there was documentation that showed Queen had admitted to drinking and taking Ativan before driving.
Deputies then subpoenaed medical staff to verify that those records were correct.
The vehicle’s crash data recorder had been destroyed in the crash. However, another person had called 911 on Christmas Eve to report an erratic driver at around 7 p.m.
The complaint says deputies spoke with the caller, who told them he saw a truck matching the description of Queen’s vehicle repeatedly drifting and crossing the center line between the Glen Jean/Route 19 intersection and Hinkle Road in Fayetteville.
Based on the investigation and consultation with Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Ciliberti, Deputy Sheriff M.E. Whittington charged Queen.
Fayette County Sheriff Jess McMullen praised the work of his deputies.
“Driving under the influence remains one of the most dangerous and preventable threats on our roadways. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or mixing alcohol with prescription medication, they are putting innocent people at risk. In this case, a family’s home was struck and could have easily resulted in serious injuries or loss of life.”Sheriff McMullen said. “I also want to commend the deputies involved in this investigation for their thorough and dedicated work. Real police work is not like what people see on television. It often takes time to gather records, execute search warrants, interview witnesses, and carefully piece together the facts before charges can be filed.”
Newswatch previously spoke with the owner of the house that Queen allegedly hit. You can view that story here.
