LEON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Late Tuesday night, a reported stabbing at 1179 Vista Drive in Leon prompted a rapid response from Mason County law enforcement. The incident, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. on October 29, involved an alleged assault between two men, Kenneth Kimberling, and Raymond McCullough. Following a history of past confrontations, including a similar incident in Ripley last year, tensions again escalated when McCullough accused Kimberling of previously taking his belongings, leading to an exchange that ended in violence.
According to reports, McCullough claimed Kimberling stabbed him with a pocket knife while giving him a ride home. Kimberling then left McCullough by a bridge on Vista Lane, where McCullough proceeded to walk home and call authorities. Deputies soon located Kimberling at a residence on Charleston Road, where he claimed the stabbing was in self-defense, stating that McCullough had first struck him while he was driving, injuring his ear. Kimberling then allegedly pulled his knife and slashed at McCullough, later removing him from the vehicle.
Upon securing Kimberling’s consent, deputies searched his truck and located a knife on the driver’s seat floorboard, which Kimberling confirmed was used in the altercation. Following consultation with Mason County Prosecutor B. Green, deputies charged Kimberling with malicious assault and McCullough with battery. Kimberling was arrested and transported to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, while McCullough, who received medical treatment, will be served a warrant for battery upon release. Both men now await their respective arraignments.
