A Boone County man, wanted in connection with the death of his roommate, shot and killed himself Saturday morning on Interstate 77 near Sissonville after leading deputies on a multi-county pursuit, deputies said.
Chad Barker, Boone County's chief deputy, said in an emailed statement that deputies were called at about midnight Friday to the Ashford area to investigate a possible murder. Deputies found Edward Crose, 46, dead in his home. Crose had been shot, Barker said.
Deputies began looking for Crose's roommate, Shane Adkins, 25, in connection with the crime. Investigators learned that Adkins had Crose's vehicle and was trying to evade police, Barker said.
Wood County sheriff's deputies intercepted Adkins, who then led deputies on a pursuit south on Interstate 77 through Jackson County and into Kanawha County. Barker said Adkins fired several shots at pursuing officers from the moving vehicle.
Kanawha County sheriff's deputies used spike strips to disable Adkins' vehicle, ending the pursuit shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 77 in the Sissonville area. Moments later, Adkins shot and killed himself with a single gunshot, Barker said.
"We feel confident Mr. Adkins is the one responsible for the murder of Edward Crose and there is no further danger to the public at this time," Barker said in the email. "However, we will continue working diligently until the investigation is complete.
"This is a very unfortunate situation that has left a trail of destruction throughout Southern West Virginia."
Kanawha and Wood deputies are assisting in the investigation of the pursuit and suicide. Boone is handling the investigation of Crose's death.