On October 18, 2021, a tragic incident unfolded in the Dingess Mountain area of Verdunville, Logan County, West Virginia. Shawn Dempsey, 52, and his wife Karen Sue Dempsey, also 52, were found dead at their residence on Brogue Drive. The discovery of their bodies was made after reports of gunshots were received by the authorities late Monday morning.
An investigation promptly launched by the Logan County Sheriff's Office led to the identification of the couple's son, Shawn Delemore Dempsey, 32, as the primary suspect in the double homicide. Witnesses reported seeing the younger Dempsey in Logan County before the shooting, and he was observed leaving the scene in a sport utility vehicle. This information was crucial in tracking his movements and ultimately led to a pursuit involving law enforcement.
Shawn Delemore Dempsey was spotted in Wayne County, which initiated a high-speed chase. The pursuit continued as he headed toward Twelve Pole Road in Mingo County.
Law enforcement from both Mingo and Logan counties set up a roadblock near Cub Branch, but the suspect managed to strike a Logan County Sheriff's Office cruiser and continued the chase. The pursuit finally ended on Mare Drive in Mingo County, where the suspect's vehicle became inoperable.
At this point, the situation escalated dramatically. Shawn Delemore Dempsey exited his vehicle, pulled a gun, and fired at the Mingo County deputies. In response to this immediate threat, the officers returned fire, resulting in the fatal shooting of the suspect. This confrontation marked the end of the pursuit and the conclusion of the immediate danger posed by the suspect.
The murder investigation of Shawn and Karen Sue Dempsey is being conducted by the Logan County Sheriff's Office, while the West Virginia State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting that led to the death of Shawn Delemore Dempsey. There were no arrests made other than the fatal confrontation with the suspect, as he was killed during the shootout with law enforcement.
