IRELAND, W.Va. — Authorities suspect that two of the five victims in a tragic home fire on Glady Creek Road last month were still alive when the blaze started. Lewis County Sheriff David Gosa revealed that one victim died of smoke inhalation, while an infant was also likely alive at the beginning of the fire. Tragically, two others were already deceased — one from a gunshot wound while trying to escape and another found inside the home. The cause of death for the final unidentified victim remains uncertain due to the condition of the remains after the fire.
The prime suspect, Luke Wilson, aged 45 of Walkersville, took his own life in eastern Kanawha County after the fire on March 11. Sheriff Gosa expressed that identifying the victims poses a challenge, as the family lacked substantial dental records. Wilson allegedly informed a neighbor, potentially a relative of one of the victims, about the fire. Ireland, a small community near the county line of Lewis and Braxton counties, consists of less than 500 residents. When fire services arrived at the scene, the home had already sustained significant damage.
In ongoing investigations, authorities are still seeking two individuals to provide crucial information. Jeremy “Tonus” Claypoole and David “Davey” Chipps, while not considered suspects, have been contacted by the police. Claypoole has been reached, but efforts to connect with Chipps continue. Those with relevant information can assist by contacting Cpl. J.D. Jenkins at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
The autopsies shed light on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ deaths, highlighting the complexities of the investigation. With limited dental records and challenging conditions, the process of identifying the victims proves to be arduous. The close-knit community of Ireland mourns the loss of lives in the tragic incident that shook the area. As authorities piece together the events leading up to the fire, the search for answers continues.