HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –Police have identified the two men shot and killed in Huntington early Friday morning. One of the victims is a well-known basketball coach.
Huntington police said Adrian Phillips, 26, and Derious Johnson, 39, both of Huntington, were found in a parking lot in the 300 block of 14th Street at around 2:30 a.m. One of them died at the scene, the other died at a hospital a short time later.
A third man showed up at the hospital.
“No further details concerning this incident will be released at this time,” police said in a Friday afternoon news release.
Johnson was the middle school basketball coach at St. Joseph Catholic School in Huntington. Principal Dr. Carol Templeton posted a message on Facebook about Johnson.
“Our entire St. Joseph School family, our students, families, and staff, mourns the tragic loss of our beloved coach, mentor, parent, and friend, Derious Johnson, earlier today.
As our school community begins processing this unbelievable grief, our chaplain, grief counselors, and mental health professionals will be on hand to be with our students and staff during this time. We especially thank the administrators of Cabell County Schools for their outreach and support of our students and school.”
House of Delegates Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, knew both victims. He also posted on Facebook.
“Lot of pain and hurt for the city right now. We’ve got to be better than this. Love you my guy. Thinking and praying for the Phillips, Johnsons, and the community,” Hornbuckle said.
Johnson’s team just won the Cabell County middle school basketball championship after going undefeated.
According to the City of Huntington Facebook page, Phillips worked in the city’s Public Works Division in the Street’s Division. He began working there in 2023. The post also stated that Phillips and Johnson were brothers.
In the post it said “Phillips was always eager to learn and improve, and he was never without a smile. He will be remembered and deeply missed,”
Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell also put out a statement saying “This tragedy has devastated a family and shaken our community,” the statement said. “This violence is unacceptable. We will not tolerate this brutality in our city. Law enforcement is fully engaged, and we will use every available resource to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Cabell County 911 or the HPD at 304-696-4420 Ext. 1083. Anonymous tips may also be left by calling 304-696-4444.