West Virginia State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard fatally shot, suspect arraigned
UPDATE: MINGO COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — Timothy Kennedy, the man accused of killing Sgt. Cory Maynard with the West Virginia State Police (WVSP), was arrested Friday and arraigned Saturday morning.
Timothy Kennedy arraignment (Photo: 13 News Reporter Sam DeCoste)
Timothy Kennedy, 29, of Matewan, was arrested after being found in a stolen vehicle just before 11 p.m. on Friday, according to the WVSP. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation website lists his charge as first-degree murder. He is being held in the Southwestern Regional Jail without bond.
He was considered armed and dangerous. Local officials had residents shelter in place while they looked for Kennedy.
Timothy Kennedy Booking Photo (Photo Courtesy: West Virginia Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation)
In 2020, Kennedy, then 26, was reported missing. He was later found 400 feet into a closed mine in the Gilbert area that had not produced coal since 2011. Rescuers found evidence of copper removal during their search. The Department of Health and Human Resources at the time said Kennedy had become lost after trespassing.
ORIGINAL:
A state police officer was fatally shot Friday in southern West Virginia, and a suspect was being sought, authorities said.
A shooting incident involving a West Virginia trooper has spurred a search for an armed suspect in Mingo County. (Bing Maps)
Sgt. Cory Maynard was killed in the shooting, Gov. Jim Justice said in a statement, adding that he was “absolutely heartbroken.” He and first lady Cathy Justice extended their sympathies to Maynard’s family.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy after a shooting incident involving a trooper was reported in Mingo County Friday afternoon. (West Virginia State Police)
Sgt. Cory Maynard was fatally shot Friday in the line of duty, according to state officials. (West Virginia State Police)
“The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all,” Justice said.
Officers responded to a complaint of a shooting in the Beech Creek area of Mingo County and were met with gunfire upon arrival, police said in a statement. Maynard initially was taken to a hospital in Logan.
Law enforcement agencies from multiple counties have joined a manhunt in Mingo County. (WCHS)
State police identified a suspect as Timothy Kennedy, 29, of Beech Creek. The statement said troopers were on the scene trying to locate Kennedy, who was considered armed and dangerous.
The governor released the following statement regarding the incident:
Cathy and I share our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt prayers to all of Trooper Maynard’s loved ones and the entire law enforcement community of West Virginia for this tragic loss tonight. The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all. I again ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in embracing Trooper Maynard’s family, loved ones, and all of our courageous West Virginians in uniform during this incredibly difficult time.
News outlets reported that nearby residents were advised to stay indoors during the search, and a Friday night graduation ceremony at Mingo Central High School was postponed.
Further details on the shooting were not immediately released.