WEIRTON, W.Va. — A 13-year-old boy is in juvenile custody in connection with the Thursday shooting deaths of a Weirton woman and her teenage daughter.
Hancock County Prosecutor Jim Davis told WTRF-TV Friday the boy was inside the Ardmore Avenue home with Melissa Rowland and her daughter Madison Crowe. Davis would not identify the boy because of his juvenile status. He’s being held at Ronald C. Mulholland Juvenile Center in Wheeling.
Davis said a gun has been recovered which authorities believe was the murder weapon. Both victims died at the scene.
Madison Crowe was a sophomore at Weir High School and a member of the Red Riders’ girls soccer team. School Athletic Director Donna Ferguson told MetroNews Friday she was bright and funny with an infectious laugh.
“Just one of those young ladies, no matter what kind of day she was having, always had a positive attitude, always a smile, and always a laugh,” Ferguson said. “Plus a very fierce competitor on the field.”
Ferguson said the news of the deaths was devastating to many in the community. She said members of the soccer team have already pulled closer together.
“They have very strong leadership within the team with their senior leaders along with their three coaches so I know they’re all going to rally together,” Ferguson said.
Counselors remain available for Weir High students. Some of the students led a vigil Thursday night to remember “Maddy.”