IRELAND, W.Va. – Recent findings by investigators suggest that two of the five victims in a tragic house fire on Glady Creek Road last month were potentially still alive when the blaze broke out. According to Lewis County Sheriff David Gosa, the victim who succumbed to smoke inhalation and an infant were likely breathing at the start of the fire, while two others had already passed away – one from a gunshot wound while trying to flee and another inside the home.
Sheriff Gosa mentioned the challenges in determining the cause of death for the final unidentified victim due to the condition of the remains after the fire. The suspected prime suspect, 45-year-old Luke Wilson, reportedly took his own life in eastern Kanawha County following the incident on March 11. The identification process for the victims is expected to be complex, with Sheriff Gosa noting the lack of dental records for conclusive identification.
The small, secluded community of Ireland, nestled near the Lewis and Braxton county line, is home to fewer than 500 residents. The residential structure was severely damaged by the time emergency responders arrived at the scene. Investigators are still in search of two individuals, Jeremy “Tonus” Claypoole and David “Davey” Chipps, to aid in clarifying details related to the case. While neither Claypoole nor Chipps are considered suspects, law enforcement authorities have reached out to Claypoole and are attempting to contact Chipps.
In efforts to gather more information, individuals with any knowledge pertaining to the case are encouraged to reach out to Cpl. J.D. Jenkins at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. The ongoing investigation seeks to shed light on the sequence of events leading up to the tragic incident and provide closure to the victims and their families.