RAND, W.Va. — A man who is a familiar figure to law enforcement is wanted on a murder charge in Kanawha County. Sheriff Mike Rutherford announced Wednesday his department has obtained warrants for the arrest of Gerard Maxwell, 32., of Rand on a charge of first degree murder.
He’s wanted after the shooting death of Marian Chapman, 27, of South Charleston. She died on the porch of a home in on Clemson Avenue in Rand after suffering multiple gunshot wounds Tuesday evening. The shooting apparently stemmed from an argument earlier inside the home. Maxwell fled the scene shortly after the shooting.
“We believe he’s extremely dangerous,” said Rutherford. “Mr. Maxwell was involved in another shooting in Rand in 2015 where over 80 shots were fired.”
Maxwell served one and a half years of a three year sentence for his part in the 2015 incident. Rutherford indicated there was no reason to believe anybody else was involved in the current Chapman’s murder.
“He’s the only one we have as an accused at the present time,” said the sheriff. “There’s no indication right now anyone else fired any shots other than the two individuals.”
However, Rutherford could not say whether the victim, Chapman, also discharged a weapon in the incident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Cedar Grove Police found the white SUV Maxwell used to leave the scene. Rutherford said Maxwell should be approached with caution and anybody knowing his whereabouts should call the sheriff’s department or 911.
“Anytime you have somebody involved in a shooting–and it’s not the first time–he’s obviously avoiding us and wasn’t still at the scene,” said Rutherford. “You have to assume the person is not willing to cooperate and is willing to do about anything to get away.”