12 hours ago
Police issue 10 warrants in aftermath of Woodrow Wilson graduation night brawl
beckley – Officials at the Beckley Police Department have released more information about the brawl that happened May 31 outside a Woodrow Wilson High graduation ceremony.
At 6:43 p.m. on May 31, officers who were assigned to the security detail at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center were notified of a fight that involved about 10 or more people.
In a June 5 statement, BPD offered more insight about why the fight began.
'The results of the investigation determined that this incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between several of the individuals involved. A firearm was recovered from one of the individuals at the time of the incident, however, the firearm was never brandished during the altercation. Possession of a firearm during a school sponsored event is illegal regardless of where the event occurs,' states a press release from the police department.
Raleigh County Magistrate Timothy P. Deems issued felony and misdemeanor warrants for:
Jalen Marquis Cook, 19, for felony possession of a deadly weapon on premises of a school-sponsored function; Tayvon Anthony Morris, 21, battery; Stephon Tyreese Yancy, 18, battery; Tommy Lee Payton III, 18, battery; Tytus Ira Mason, 21, battery, Ty'Lai Khalis Kimble, 21, battery; Zachary Lee Pennington, 18, battery; Brandon Jerrell Burks Jr., 18, battery; Latrael Decors Hairston, 19, battery; Madix Caiden Preast, 18, battery.
Beckley Police said all subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Police Chief Dean Bailey commended Woodrow Wilson High School Resource Officer Lt. Wall for aiding in the investigation.
Bailey also asks residents who may have further information about the fight or the whereabouts of any of the suspects to contact the Beckley Police Department at 304-256-1720 or Crime Stoppers of West Virginia via their free P3 Tips mobile application.
