BECKLEY, W.Va. — A Raleigh County man faces two counts of murder along with other charges after a fatal accident from Sunday night. The crash happened on Coal River Road near Arnette, W.Va.
State Police say Kevin Graybeal, 54, of Dameron, W.Va. was taken into custody Monday for the Sunday night crash which claimed the life of a woman and her young daughter.
Dead is Sara Pettry,30, of Naoma, WV, and her three-year old daughter. Two other children in Pettry’s vehicle suffered injuries in the crash. A seven-year old girl was flown to CAMC and an 11-year old boy was taken by ambulance to Raleigh General Hospital.
Senior Trooper S.A. Wickline said speed and reckless driving were the main reasons for Graybeal crashing.
“The vehicle was moving at speeds well in excess of the posted speed limits,” said Wickline. “He had traveled over the center line several times while traveling on route 3.”
A State Police accident reconstruction team was able to develop evidence at the scene which identified Graybeal as a person of interest in the case. Troopers said the victim’s vehicle was struck by a gold Lincoln SUV which then fled the scene.
Wickline added that they located the suspect in a residence and arrested him the next day after the crash.
“There was initially a K-9 track that was conducted, which led us to the house that we believe that the person driving the vehicle had fled to,” Wickline said.
Monday afternoon Graybeal was charged with two counts of second degree murder, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing death, and one count each of reckless driving, driving suspended, obstructing an officer, and assault.
Graybeal was treated and released from Raleigh General Hospital for injuries he suffered in the accident. He’s lodged in the Southern Regional Jail without bond. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, it is important to seek legal help from an experienced injury attorney. They can help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you deserve. You can visit this link to know more about how an injury attorney can assist you in your case.