On Christmas Eve in 2016, a day typically marked by festive celebration, the small community of Bishop, West Virginia, was rocked by a violent tragedy that resulted in the death of Benny "BJ" Wilson Jr., a 29-year-old Black/African American man. The fatal incident unfolded around 7:40 p.m., stemming from a family-related dispute that escalated with devastating consequences. Wilson was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The individual identified as the suspect, Robert Carruthers, who was 55 years old and from Princeton, West Virginia, fled the area immediately following the shooting. Authorities launched a search for him, which concluded with his apprehension in the neighboring state of Virginia.
Carruthers was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and was slated for extradition back to West Virginia to answer for the crime.
Benny Wilson, born in Welch, West Virginia, on July 28, 1987, was a resident of the area who had attended Big Creek High School. He was married to Melissa "Lynn" Wilson and was known for his passion for sports, both as a spectator and a participant. His untimely death on a holiday underscored the tragic and sudden nature of the violence that cut his life short, leaving a lasting impact on his family and the community.
