On a quiet Monday morning, the small community of Mount Carbon in southern West Virginia was rattled by a shooting that left two people dead—including the suspected gunman—and three others wounded. According to multiple reports from the Associated Press, WVNS, and WVVA, the incident unfolded on August 18, 2025, sending shockwaves through Fayette County and prompting a swift, multi-agency law enforcement response.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a call just after 10 a.m. about a gunshot victim and a gunman believed to be at large in the Mount Carbon area. Sheriff Jess McMullen, speaking to news outlets, confirmed that deputies, along with the West Virginia State Police, Montgomery Police Department, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, quickly converged on the scene. Their immediate priority: securing the area and locating the shooter, whose whereabouts were initially unknown.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered a grim scene. The suspected gunman was found dead inside his residence, the result of what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Nearby, under a neighboring carport, another individual lay dead. The identities of both the deceased have not been released, as officials work to notify next of kin—a standard, if somber, procedure in such tragedies. As Sheriff McMullen told WVVA, "further updates will be provided following a thorough investigation and notifications of next-of-kin."
Three additional individuals had sustained what authorities characterized as minor gunshot wounds. Sheriff McMullen assured the public that these injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening and that the wounded were receiving appropriate medical care. The quick medical response, coupled with the rapid arrival of multiple police agencies, likely helped prevent further harm.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the Mount Carbon and Adena Village areas. The order, first reported at approximately 10:45 a.m., urged locals to remain indoors while officers worked to secure the scene and ensure there was no ongoing threat. This advisory was later lifted after authorities determined that the suspected gunman was no longer a danger to the public.
While the main incident occurred in Mount Carbon, its ripples were felt beyond. By Monday evening, two Kanawha County Sheriff’s deputies were reportedly injured while searching for a suspect in the Cedar Grove area—a development linked to the Fayette County shooting, according to local reports. The precise connection between these events remains under investigation, but it underscores the tense and unpredictable atmosphere that can follow such violence.
Law enforcement officials from several agencies, including detectives from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, remained on the scene throughout the day, meticulously gathering evidence and piecing together the sequence of events. According to WVNS, the shooting began around 10:30 a.m., but many details—including the motive and the relationships between those involved—were still unclear as the investigation continued. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving such cases.
For residents of Mount Carbon, the day’s events were both shocking and frightening. The issuance of a shelter-in-place order is a rare occurrence in this rural part of West Virginia, where neighbors know each other by name and violent crime is uncommon. The quick lifting of the advisory brought some relief, but the sense of unease lingered as police worked to answer the many questions left in the shooting’s wake.
The response from law enforcement was both broad and coordinated. Alongside the Fayette County deputies, members of the West Virginia State Police, Montgomery City Police, and the Division of Natural Resources all played roles in securing the area and assisting the investigation. Such collaboration is standard in high-stakes situations, where the safety of both officers and civilians is paramount.
As the investigation unfolded, officials remained tight-lipped about specific details. The identities of the deceased, the suspected gunman’s background, and the possible motivations for the shooting were all withheld, pending further inquiry and notification of families. Sheriff McMullen and his office made it clear that more information would be shared as soon as it was available and appropriate to do so.
In the meantime, detectives continued to canvass the neighborhood, interview witnesses, and review any available surveillance footage. The goal: to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting and determine whether any additional suspects or threats remained. Early indications suggested that the shooter acted alone, but investigators were careful not to rule out any possibilities prematurely.
For those wounded in the attack, the road to recovery is just beginning. While their injuries are not considered life-threatening, the psychological impact of surviving a shooting can be profound. Local health officials and community leaders have expressed concern for the victims and their families, urging residents to seek support if needed and to look out for one another in the days ahead.
Gun violence, though less common in rural West Virginia than in some urban centers, remains a pressing concern for law enforcement and public health officials alike. The events in Mount Carbon serve as a stark reminder that no community is immune from sudden acts of violence. As the investigation continues, many in Fayette County are left grappling with grief, fear, and a desire for answers.
As of Tuesday morning, August 19, 2025, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office had not released any new information about the case. Detectives remain on the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities continue to urge anyone with knowledge of the incident or those involved to contact the sheriff’s office directly.
In a town where daily life is usually marked by routine and familiarity, the events of August 18 have left a lasting mark. While the immediate threat has passed, the search for understanding—and for healing—will take time. For now, Mount Carbon waits, hoping that the days ahead will bring clarity, accountability, and, eventually, peace.
