Jaynell Graham
Editor
Pocahontas County law enforcement was called to the Durbin area in the early morning hours of January 1 for a situation that tragically ended in the death of 50 year old Christopher Matheny.
Matheny and his two young daughters, who live in Missouri, were visiting his parents, Jerry and Judy Matheny in Durbin.
According to the complaint filed in the Pocahontas County Magistrate’s office: At approximately 2 a.m. New Year’s Day, Corporal Damon Brock responded to the call and learned of the shooting that resulted in Matheny’s death.
Jason Brickles, of Valley Head, was identified as the shooter.
The officer reviewed video surveillance footage from the residence which showed a utility vehicle (old ambulance) pull into the driveway, followed by a white pickup truck. The utility vehicle was driven by Jack Vance, of Durbin. Vance exited the vehicle and entered the Matheny residence.
Two gunshots can be heard on the recording as well as Brickles calling Vance names, followed by two more gunshots. Brickles, with a handgun in his right hand, walked to the porch steps and, according to the complaint, can be heard threatening to kill Vance.
During the investigation, the officer found two bullet holes in the driver’s side of the utility van; one bullet hole in the side of the Matheny residence; and one bullet hole through the front door of the home.
Christopher Matheny, who was seated on a couch directly behind the front door, was struck in his left side, and the wound proved to be fatal.
Brock identified six individuals, who were in close proximity inside the home at the time the shots were fired.
Brickles left the scene. Randolph County 911 was contacted and Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and located Brickles at his residence near Valley Head. He was transported to the Elkins Detachment of the West Virginia State Police where Pocahontas County Deputy B.E. Nelson and Brock interviewed him.
Brickles initially denied any involvement but finally stated that he had a confrontation with Jack Vance, whom he claimed had kidnapped and raped his wife.
Brickles admitted to firing shots into the residence but stated that he did not intend to kill Christopher Matheny.
Brickles has been charged with one count of second-degree murder and six counts of wanton endangerment involving a firearm.
He is being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
Bond, cash/surety, was set at $600,000.
