In the early morning hours of October 13, 2021, the life of Nicholas Paul Brodeur, a 26-year-old White male from Glenville, West Virginia, was brought to a sudden and tragic end. A graduate of Gilmer County High School and a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Genesis Health Care's Glenville Center, Nicholas was known for his love of music, particularly singing and playing the guitar.
The night before his death, Nicholas was at his family's home on Messenger Road with a life-long friend,
21-year-old Levi Curtis Estep. The two were reportedly playing guitar together. Estep left the residence, only to return around 1 a.m. He and Nicholas then went to a cabin on the family's property. A short time later, at approximately 2 a.m., Nicholas's mother heard a single gunshot. Rushing outside, she saw Estep driving away from the property in a black Subaru, as another son informed her that Nicholas had been shot.
Levi Curtis Estep, a resident of Calhoun County, was arrested by the West Virginia State Police and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. During questioning, Estep reportedly told authorities that he had "blacked out" and did not fully remember shooting Brodeur, while also admitting, "I did it." The family was unaware of any conflict between the two long-time friends, and authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. Following his arrest, Estep was held without bond at the Central Regional Jail. The family of Nicholas Brodeur, shocked by the sudden loss, honored his wish to be cremated.
