DANESE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Fayette County man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he shot his brother during a heated domestic dispute Saturday night while a small child was inside the home.
According to the West Virginia State Police, troopers responded around 8:28 p.m. on March 7, 2026, to a report of a shooting at a residence located at 2171 Crickmer Road in Danese.
Dispatchers were told that Cody Kenney had been shot by his brother, Colby Martin, during an altercation. The call came from Tiffany Kenney, who told Fayette County Communications that Martin had shot her husband and was making threats to take his own life. She also reported that Martin had returned inside the home with a 2-year-old child.
Victim Found with Shotgun Wound
When troopers arrived, Kenney had already fled the residence and was receiving medical treatment from emergency crews. Authorities observed that he had one gunshot wound to his left foot, consistent with a shotgun blast.
Kenney told officers he had gone to Martin’s home to confront him because he was upset. Due to the seriousness of the injury and ongoing treatment by EMS personnel, troopers were unable to gather additional details from the victim at the scene.
Fight Escalates Inside Home
Investigators also spoke with Casey Forren, Martin’s girlfriend, who witnessed the incident. Forren told authorities she and Kenney had gone to Martin’s residence because Martin believed Kenney was having an affair with her.
According to Forren, the two men began arguing and fighting inside the home.
She said she attempted to remove the children from the situation as the fight escalated. Forren managed to get two children — a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old — into her truck, but a 2-year-old child remained inside the living room while the altercation continued.
While outside with the children, Forren said she heard a gunshot. She ran back inside and discovered Kenney had been shot.
Authorities say Forren then grabbed the shotgun that had been left on the ground and fled the scene with Kenney and the two children.
Armed Suspect Refuses Commands
When troopers and Fayette County deputies arrived, Martin was standing at the front door of the residence, concealing one of his hands. Officers repeatedly ordered him to exit the home with his hands raised, but he refused.
Troopers say Martin repeatedly told officers “I’m not going back to jail.”
When asked if he had a weapon, Martin told authorities he had one at his side. Officers were also aware that the 2-year-old child remained inside the room with him, creating a dangerous situation.
Troopers Enter Home, Deploy Taser
Concerned for the child’s safety, troopers developed a plan to enter the home through a rear door while Martin was distracted.
Upon entering, a trooper observed a lever-action rifle beside Martin. Officers again ordered him to show his hands, but Martin only raised his left hand, keeping his right hand near the rifle.
Fearing for the safety of officers and the child, a trooper deployed a Taser 7, firing two cartridges that incapacitated Martin. He fell to the ground but continued resisting as troopers and deputies attempted to take him into custody.
Officers ultimately used necessary force to restrain him and place him under arrest.
Evidence Found at Scene
During the investigation, troopers observed a hole in the ground near the back door, believed to have been caused by a shotgun blast. A trail of blood was also found leading away from the residence, consistent with Kenney’s escape after being shot.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Martin told investigators he had been arguing with his brother and told him to leave the property. He admitted the argument turned physical and that he retrieved a shotgun, loaded one shell, and fired it toward the ground outside the home, striking Kenney in the ankle.
Martin reportedly told investigators he did not intend to shoot his brother.
Multiple Charges Filed
Colby Martin was taken into custody and charged with several offenses, including:
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Malicious Wounding
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Brandishing a Deadly Weapon
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Child Endangerment
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Wanton Endangerment
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Discharging a Firearm Within 500 Feet of a Dwelling
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Obstructing an Officer
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Domestic Battery
The condition of Cody Kenney has not been released.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
