IVYDALE, W.Va. — A quiet community in Clay County is grappling with the aftermath of a shocking double homicide, following the discovery of two bodies inside a residence in Ivydale on Thursday morning.
The West Virginia State Police confirmed that 54-year-old Brenda Lee Davis, of Ivydale, and 38-year-old Richard Lee Bishop, of nearby Maysel, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities responded to the home after family members of Davis requested a welfare check, having been unable to reach her for several days.
Trooper First Class R.E. Wiseman was dispatched to the residence around 9:00 a.m. on April 3. Upon arrival, he discovered both victims deceased inside the home. Investigators believe the deaths occurred several hours prior to the discovery, though the exact timeline remains under review.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police are treating the case as a double homicide, and the investigation quickly led to the arrest of a suspect.
58-year-old Michael Wayne Adkins, of Duck, W.Va., was taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. According to authorities, Adkins was reportedly involved in a current or past relationship with Brenda Davis, a connection that has raised the possibility of a domestic violence-related motive.
Adkins is currently being held without bond at Central Regional Jail as he awaits arraignment in Clay County Circuit Court. Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the exact sequence of events, the location within the home where the victims were found, and whether the crime was premeditated.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the victims were killed at the same time or whether one was targeted before the other. Investigators are also examining the firearm used in the killings and working to determine if Adkins acted alone or if others may have been involved.
Brenda Davis was a well-known figure in Ivydale, described by friends and neighbors as kindhearted, reliable, and deeply family-oriented. Her sudden death has stunned the tight-knit community, which is not accustomed to violent crime.
Richard Bishop, who lived in nearby Maysel, was known to have a close personal connection to Davis, though officials have not elaborated on the nature of their relationship. His death alongside hers has only deepened the shock and sorrow felt by those who knew them.
Community members have expressed their grief and disbelief on social media, with many posting tributes and sharing memories of Davis and Bishop. A candlelight vigil is being organized to honor their lives and provide an opportunity for friends, family, and neighbors to come together in mourning.
The tragedy has cast a spotlight on the often-hidden toll of domestic violence and the devastating consequences of gun violence. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served.
The West Virginia State Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and contact the Clay Detachment. The investigation remains active and ongoing.