Police still looking for others in student’s beating death

WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling police detectives continued their search Friday for other men they believe were involved in the fight that killed Wheeling Jesuit University student Kevin Figaniak.

The lacrosse player got into a argument with some men after being at a bar Saturday, Aug. 31 in downtown Wheeling. Police allege the group followed Figaniak, 21, and a friend to the Locust Avenue area where a fight started. The two were knocked to the ground during the fight. Figaniak suffered severe head trauma and died the next day. Police have charged two oil and gas workers, Craig Peacock and Jarrett Chandler, with murder. 

Police say WJU senior Kevin Figaniak and a friend got into a verbal altercation with the men Saturday morning a few minutes before a fight broke out.

Wheeling Police Dept. Gregg McKenzie told MetroNews Friday they are still looking for the others who were there and had a part in the fight.

“We are looking at all avenues, anything that we can use to track these remaining suspect or suspects down we are looking into it,” the detective said.

Peacock is from Florida and Chandler from Louisiana. They were living in the area working in the Marcellus shale business. MetroNews asked Det. McKenzie if there’s a chance the others may have skipped town.

“If who we are looking for has changed locations—you can run but you can’t hide. We’ll get you sooner or later,” he said. “I’m certain we’re going to find them.”

Police have video surveillance video from the incident. Det. McKenzie said they’ve received a number of names and are following up.

Peacock and Chandler remain in the Northern Regional Jail each on $1 million bond. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Sept. 12.

Figaniak’s funeral mass is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in Hilltown, Pa. He was a resident of Perkasie, Pa., and a senior at Wheeling Jesuit.





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