On Monday, April 6, 2026, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Marshall County 911 received a call reporting that a male had been shot in the chest at 274 Lani Lane, Moundsville, WV 26041. Deputies from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately.
Upon arrival, deputies found a 26-year-old male victim lying on his back in the kitchen/dining room area of the residence, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Two deputies immediately began first aid while another deputy secured the firearm and the scene.
The victim was conscious and able to communicate with first responders. Medical care was transferred to Marshall County Emergency Medical Services (MCEMS), which transported him to a landing zone for airlift to WVU Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV.
Initial investigation revealed that the defendant, 28-year-old Alex Wilkerson, and the victim had been pointing firearms at each other in an alleged playful manner. According to Wilkerson, the firearm discharged when he pointed it at the victim. Mr. Wilkerson immediately called for help and assisted the victim from the bedroom to the kitchen area, where first responders found them.
Mr. Wilkerson was taken into custody at the scene and charged with felony malicious wounding. He was processed at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and subsequently transported to the Northern Regional Jail pending arraignment.
Evidence, including both firearms involved and a spent casing, was collected and logged. The scene was processed and statements were obtained from all individuals present.
This incident remains under active investigation by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Sheriff Mike Dougherty
Marshall County Sheriff’s Office
