On a tragic Friday afternoon, September 21, 2018, the community of Craigsville, West Virginia, was shaken by a violent incident that claimed the life of Dr. Luke Charles McElwain, a 38-year-old White male from Bolair. The event unfolded at a local Go-Mart during what was intended to be a child exchange.
McElwain, a respected local physician, was shot by his 69-year-old father-in-law, Vonly Ray York of Shady Springs. According to the Nicholas County Sheriff's Department, York opened fire on McElwain before deputies arrived at the scene.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement officers were confronted with a grim scene. After shooting his son-in-law, York then used the firearm on himself.
Both Luke McElwain and Vonly Ray York were pronounced dead at the location. The investigation by the sheriff's department concluded that the tragic event was a murder-suicide, with York being the sole perpetrator. As the shooter died at the scene, no arrests were made in connection with McElwain's death.
