BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On December 6, 2023, at approximately 2:56 pm, Troopers with the Princeton Detachment were dispatched by Mercer 911 to 261 Ceres Hollow Road Bluefield, WV, in response to a male suspect at the residence holding several subjects at gunpoint.
Shortly after 3 pm, Troopers arrived at the residence and discovered a white male and white female suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and body. Troopers made entry into the residence and discovered a black female 11-year-old juvenile to be deceased from a gunshot wound, and a black male to be deceased from a gunshot wound.
After further investigation, it was discovered that the black male, identified as Kenneth Smith, was the shooter in this incident and had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The wounded subjects were immediately given medical care by Troopers on scene and transported to Princeton Community Hospital and then to Roanoke Memorial in critical condition.
Mercer County Schools say the 11-year-old was a Mountain Valley Elementary School student.
“Mercer County Schools have extra counselors and staff available to talk to and comfort students during this difficult time. Please keep Mercer County Schools in your thoughts and prayers with the family, friends, and staff. Hug your kids and family members and tell them you love them.”
West Virginia State Police Crime Scene was contacted to assist with the scene investigation.
Troopers C.W. Havens and D.A. Miller will be conducting the investigation.
