PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Investigators in a Barbour County murder case have released more information about what led up to the Friday evening shooting death of the victim near the Philippi Covered Bridge.
Michael Mussi Jr., 26, of Elkins, W.Va. is behind bars charged with the murder of Tanner Talbott, 23, of Belington, W.Va.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Barbour County Magistrate Court, Mussi learned of an intimate relationship between his wife and Talbott. Court documents indicate Mussi contacted Talbott’s fiancé about the affair between their two partners Thursday night and inquired what shift Talbott was working Friday at the Arch Coal operation in Philippi. She told him day shift.
“It is evident that Michael Mussi waited for Tanner to leave work at Arch Coal in Philippi, W.Va. and followed him to the Blue and Gray Flag Park,” read the criminal complaint.
Witnesses told police the two men drove into the parking lot in separate pickup trucks at a high rate of speed. They told police both men jumped out of their vehicles and Mussi immediately opened fire on the victim. Talbott suffered multiple gunshot wounds and fell dead in the park.
“The eyewitnesses stated Mussi then flipped his middle finger at Tanner and got into his truck and fled the scene,” read the complaint.
Mussi was the subject of an all night manhunt in the Barbour and Randolph County areas. He was finally captured Saturday morning along Route 57 in the community of Beech Creek outside Philippi. Police said he was still armed with a handgun and had it pointed at his chin threatening suicide as the deputy approached. The deputy was able to talk Mussi out of his plan to kill himself and convinced him to put down the firearm. He was taken into custody without incident.
Mussi is now in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail without bond.
Talbott’s Facebook page indicates he leaves behind his fiancé and a young daughter.