Monica Lynn Will was a devoted mother, a cherished wife, and an inspiring educator whose life was dedicated to her family and her students. A 46-year-old woman, Monica was born on August 21, 1980, in Steubenville, Ohio, and grew up in Weirton, West Virginia. For 21 years, she was a beloved English teacher at John Marshall High School in Moundsville, where her classroom was known as a place of encouragement and support.
She was a proud 1998 salutatorian of Weir High School and graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Liberty University in 2002. She later earned a master’s degree in Shakespearean Literature from Marshall University, graduating first in her class. Monica married her husband, Duane David Will Jr., on June 24, 2006, and together they built a loving home for their two children, 16-year-old Makaela and 14-year-old Seth.
Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment with them. Monica had a passion for photography, a gift she used to capture and preserve precious family memories. Her deep Christian faith was a guiding force in her life. She was raised in the First Church of the Nazarene and was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where she served as a worship leader and on the church vestry. Remembered for her intelligence, compassion, and unwavering love, Monica left a lasting legacy not only through her family but also through the countless students she inspired.
The peace of the Will family’s home on Middle Grave Creek Road was shattered in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 1, 2026. At approximately 1:40 a.m., Marshall County 911 received an open-line call from the residence, but no one spoke. When deputies from the Marshall County Sheriff's Office responded to investigate, they were met with gunfire. The shooter, identified as 25-year-old Cyle B. Fabrizio of Moundsville, fired a pistol at the approaching deputies from the property.
A preliminary investigation by the sheriff's office determined that Fabrizio had first shot Monica Will through a window from the porch. He then kicked in the door to gain entry into the home, where he fatally shot her 44-year-old husband, David. As deputies took cover outside, Fabrizio emerged in the doorway, holding the couple’s juvenile daughter hostage with a gun to her head. Faced with an immediate and life-threatening situation, a deputy armed with a rifle fired a single shot, striking and killing Fabrizio and rescuing the child.
Upon entering the home, deputies discovered the bodies of Monica and David Will. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Their two children, who were in the home at the time of the attack, were physically unharmed and were placed in the care of family members. Investigators learned that Fabrizio had past grievances with the couple and had developed an interest in their daughter, though the specific details of these circumstances remained part of the ongoing investigation. Sheriff Mike Dougherty described the incident as a "tragic act of violence that has devastated a family and shocked our community."
The investigation into the double homicide and the subsequent officer-involved shooting was handled by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the West Virginia State Police. Authorities confirmed that the incident was isolated and there was no further danger to the public. The case is considered closed, as the primary suspect died at the scene. Sheriff Dougherty commended his deputy's actions, stating, "My Deputy encountered an immediate, life-threatening situation and acted to save the life of a child.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the community mourned the loss of the beloved couple. Marshall County Schools issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the death of their teacher and made supportive counseling available for students and staff. All activities at John Marshall High School were canceled on the day of the shooting. Friends, family, and former students shared memories of Monica, remembering her as a kind, thoughtful, and amazing teacher who always smiled when speaking of her children.
Funeral services for Monica and David were held together. Visitation took place at the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene, followed by a funeral service the next day. The couple was laid to rest beside each other at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene in Monica’s memory. As of October 2026, the community continued to grieve while supporting the two children who lost their parents in a senseless act of violence.
