In the late afternoon of September 23, 2020, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, was jolted by an act of violence that would claim the life of 31-year-old Chadwick Jamuel Malone. At approximately 2:47 p.m., police responded to reports of shots fired near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Pietro Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered a male, later identified as Malone, lying on the sidewalk with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his chest.
Though unresponsive, he still had a pulse, prompting first responders to administer aid until emergency medical services arrived and transported him to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Chadwick Jamuel Malone succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The cause of his death was determined to be gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. In the immediate aftermath, Morgantown Police began an active investigation, identifying a suspect and seeking a silver-colored Infiniti G35 in connection with the shooting. The day after the incident, authorities publicly identified the suspect as Michael Corney and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
The search for Corney, who was believed to be from the Pittsburgh area but frequented Morgantown, continued for several weeks. Finally, on October 13, 2020, at around 3:25 p.m., Morgantown Police conducted a traffic stop near Marilla Park on East Brockway Avenue. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Michael Joseph Corney, and he was taken into custody without incident, bringing a significant development to the investigation into the death of Chadwick Malone. Malone's family described him as a "Dutiful Son, Protective Brother, and Loving Father," and a "bright star" who was loved and contributed to his community.
