Taylor M. Albert, a 30-year-old White/Caucasian female from Weirton, West Virginia, was killed in the early morning hours of September 28, 2024, inside a residence on Elm Street. What began as a confusing emergency call soon unfolded into a homicide investigation. Police were sent to 3025 Elm St. at about 4:50 a.m. after Hancock County 911 received a call from Jordan Lee Pager, who indicated he believed police and an ambulance were needed for what he described as a drug overdose.
When
first responders arrived, the situation was already dangerous. Authorities said Pager was outside the residence, armed with a gun and yelling at ambulance personnel. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but he allegedly refused. He was then tased and taken into custody. Inside the home, officers found Taylor dead from a gunshot wound. Later reports stated she had been shot in the face and died at the scene.
Pager, who was 32 at the time, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Taylor's death. He was held without bond at the Northern Regional Jail. Investigators also said the Weirton Police Department was assisted by the West Virginia State Police and Hancock County Ambulance as the case moved forward.
At an early court hearing, prosecutors pushed to keep both first-degree and second-degree murder in play, arguing that the evidence supported premeditation. Pager's defense attorney challenged that claim, arguing prosecutors had not shown enough evidence of premeditation or motive. After hearing testimony from state witnesses, Hancock County Magistrate Ralph Fletcher found probable cause and sent the murder charges on to Hancock County Circuit Court.
Additional details emerged as the case advanced. Authorities alleged that after the shooting, Pager walked outside still holding the gun and pointed it toward two female paramedics. They also alleged he made a statement indicating he had killed his family. Investigators did not publicly identify a clear motive, though officials said they believed Pager had ingested psychedelic mushrooms before the fatal shooting.
In January 2025, a Hancock County grand jury indicted Jordan Lee Pager on charges of murder and wanton endangerment involving a firearm. The indictment ordered him to stand trial in connection with Taylor's killing and the alleged firearm threat toward emergency responders. Online reports available at the time did not show a final trial outcome or conviction.
