High School Football

Raleigh County woman murdered in Parkersburg

Samantha Deem

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — One person is dead and one jailed in a dispute in Parkersburg which escalated into gunfire.

Police were called to an apartment complex on the city’s 7th Street Monday afternoon. There they found Jessica Lively, 35, of Raleigh County lying in the hallway with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation revealed Lively and a male friend had gone to the apartment building to speak with an acquaintance who was identified as Samantha Deem, 33, of Parkersburg. Witnesses tell police the two women got into an argument which escalated and Deem produced a handgun and shot Lively in the chest.

Deem was taken into custody overnight and is charged with first degree murder. She’s lodged in the Wood County Holding Center awaiting arraignment.





More News

News
FEMA deadline extension needed for West Virginia flood victims
New deadline set for Oct. 17.
October 5, 2026 - 9:34 pm
News
Charleston Town Center mall owner says plans to close next year; Goodwin confirms outside interest in property
Charleston mayor says the Hull Group could sell the mall; Hull tells media outlets that it hasn't heard from anyone.
October 5, 2026 - 8:28 pm
News
Keaton arraigned on 394 criminal counts involving nearly 60 women
Matthew Keaton pleads not guilty in Monday's arraignment.
October 5, 2026 - 4:10 pm
News
'Skin-related health concern' forcing closure of Wyoming County schools
Condition not yet identified.
October 5, 2026 - 3:27 pm