A West Virginia man, Joshua Deel, 39, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder after his ex-wife, Shawn Deel, 39, and her two teenage children, Abigale (18) and Dekota (16), were found stabbed at a Lesage home on July 21. Deputies arrived after a 9-1-1 call placed at 4:57 a.m. and described the scene as chaotic with multiple stab wounds. Investigators say Joshua was initially treated as a victim but later admitted he had been caught secretly photographing a female earlier that day; he claims he was attacked later by a masked intruder. A suspected weapon was recovered on the front porch and Joshua is being held without bail.
Man Charged With Murder After Ex‑Wife and Two Teenagers Found Fatally Stabbed in Lesage, W. Va.
Joshua DeelCredit: Cabell County Sheriff's Office; WSAZ NewsChannel 3/YouTube
Lesage, W. Va. — A West Virginia man has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder after his ex-wife and her two teenage children were found fatally stabbed in their home on July 21, authorities said.
What Happened
Cabell County deputies responded to a residence in Lesage in the predawn hours after 39-year-old Joshua Deel called 9-1-1 at 4:57 a.m., reporting that he and members of the household had been "attacked and stabbed," according to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE.
Deputies described the scene as chaotic with blood throughout the home. Investigators found Joshua lying face down in the living room and the three victims in different areas of the residence, each suffering multiple stab wounds. The victims were identified as Joshua's ex-wife, Shawn Deel, 39, and her children, Abigale Sloan, 18, and Dekota Sloan, 16. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures on Abigale after a faint pulse was detected, but all three were pronounced dead by the time medics arrived.
Investigation Details
The complaint says Joshua was taken to a hospital for treatment. While he was there, a neighbor told deputies they had heard a loud argument between Joshua and a woman shortly before the 9-1-1 call. When officers raised the neighbor's claim, Joshua initially denied any altercation.
Detectives later learned of an incident earlier the same day in which Joshua allegedly used his phone to surreptitiously photograph a female in her bedroom by placing his camera under the door. He initially denied that conduct but, according to investigators, later admitted to it. Joshua told detectives that after being confronted he had a verbal dispute with an unidentified person, assured that person "it would not happen again" and went to bed.
According to the complaint, Joshua said he woke during the night to use the bathroom and was attacked. He told investigators he tried to save the other three people but that they were already fatally wounded, and that he struggled with a masked person whom he found on top of one of the females. Deputies recovered a suspected weapon on the home's front porch.
Charges And Status
Joshua Deel has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder. He is being held without bail as the investigation and prosecution proceed.
Note: The details above are based on the criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE and statements released by the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.
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