Suspect arrested after West Virginia state agent was shot dead in ‘ambush-style’ murder
West Virginia State Trooper is shot ‘ambush style’, killing sparks a day-long manhunt
- Sergeant Cory Maynard died Friday as state police investigated a shooting incident
- Maynard was then shot in what authorities described as an “ambush” shooting
- Timothy Kennedy, 29, was arrested after a seven-hour manhunt
A West Virginia state trooper is dead following an incident involving an active shooter Friday night, with the shooter taken into custody later that night as the state mourns a husband, father and official.
Sergeant Cory Maynard died Friday as state police investigated a shooting incident in the town of Beech Creek.
Maynard, one of the people who responded to the scene, was then shot himself in what authorities describe as an “ambush-style” shooting. He died after being taken to a local hospital.
The suspect, 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy, then went on the run with a manhunt that lasted the rest of the day.
Finally, at around 10 p.m. Friday, Kennedy was finally taken into custody by state troopers.
Sergeant Cory Maynard (pictured left) died Friday, as state police investigated a shooting incident in the town of Beech Creek
Maynard was a highly decorated member of the state police force and received their Lifesaving Award for rescuing a man involved in a car chase and attempting suicide.
Justin Marcum, a lawyer and former state legislator, remembered Maynard as a true lover of life, evidenced by an encounter between the two while Maynard was jogging one day.
“He throws his hand up, runs over and says, ‘What’s up buddy? Going to reel in this day, “You don’t even think about this stuff, it breaks your heart,” said Marcum.
Governor Jim Justice announced Maynard’s death in a statement, adding that he was “absolutely heartbroken.”
He and first lady Cathy Justice expressed their condolences to Maynard’s family.
“The brave men and women of law enforcement and all first responders who risk their lives every day to keep us safe are an inspiration to all of us,” said Justice.
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin tweeted, “I am heartbroken to hear of the death of @WVStatePolice Sgt. Cory Maynard on duty today.”
“I ask all residents of West Virginia to join Gayle and I in praying for Sgt. Maynard’s family, friends and our entire law enforcement community as we mourn the loss of this gallant officer.”
The suspect, 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy, then went on the run with a manhunt that lasted the rest of the day
A friend of the family wrote in a Facebook post that Maynard had a wife and two children.
No other injuries were reported and further details about the shooting were not immediately made public.
News outlets reported that local residents were advised to stay indoors during the search, and a Friday night graduation ceremony at Mingo Central High School was postponed.
The shooting took place in the same county where a former sheriff was shot dead in April 2013.
Mingo and neighboring McDowell County are home to the legendary blood feud between the Hatfield family of West Virginia and the McCoy family of Kentucky.