On a spring day in Tucker County, West Virginia, a long-simmering family feud reached its tragic conclusion. Edward Lee Tennant Jr., a 65-year-old White male, was shot and killed on April 10, 2023, in a dispute over a piece of land. The fatal encounter took place on Smokehouse Road in the Parsons area, where Edward had gone to check on a telephone pole. It was there that he was confronted by his own brother, Robert Lee Tennant.
The argument between the siblings escalated quickly. Robert, mounted on his John Deere tractor, pulled out a. 22 caliber handgun and fired three shots at his brother. After the shooting, Robert returned to his house and called 911 to report what he had done. When law enforcement from the Tucker County Sheriff's Department and the West Virginia State Police arrived, they found Robert across a stream and took him into custody without incident.
During questioning, Robert Tennant admitted to shooting his brother, stating that he had been planning it
for days. He expressed no remorse, telling officers he felt as though a "monkey was off his shoulder." He claimed his brother was an "a**h***." The investigation revealed a history of disputes between the brothers, with the conflict over the property being the final catalyst.
Robert Lee Tennant was charged with first-degree murder. His trial commenced in October 2024, where the prosecution presented evidence of premeditation. The defense argued for a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, claiming the act was not pre-planned. However, after a short deliberation, the jury found Robert guilty of first-degree murder and recommended no mercy. Subsequently, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During the sentencing, victim impact statements were read from Edward's wife and granddaughter, and a letter from his daughter was also presented to the court. When given the chance to speak, Robert stated that his brother "should have been a better big brother."
