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Troopers investigate double-murder attempted suicide near Summersville

SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — State police are investigating an apparent double murder and attempted suicide in Nicholas County.

According to troopers, the bodies of Irene Blankenship and her boyfriend Douglas Hypes were found dead of gunshot wounds at just after 5 p.m. Saturday at Hypes’ home on Twin Oaks Drive in Summersville. Troopers later found the alleged shooter Roger Blankenship at his home off of Route 39 in Swiss. He had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his face. He is hospitalized.

Troopers said the Blankenships have been going through a divorce.

An investigation is continuing.





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