SUMMERS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Summers County man who was reportedly recently released from jail following a murder and manslaughter case in Ohio has been arrested after allegedly threatening his mother with a knife and pushing her into a bush.
Brian Edgar Steinmiller, of Jumping Branch, is charged with domestic battery and domestic assault following an incident Saturday, October 3, 2026, according to a criminal complaint filed in Summers County Magistrate Court.
According to the complaint, West Virginia State Police Trooper J.S. Reedy responded to a residence on Whittaker Lane in Jumping Branch around 5:55 p.m. after an anonymous caller requested emergency medical services and law enforcement for a reported domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival, the trooper spoke with Steinmiller’s mother, who reported that her son had recently been released from jail and brought to the residence by family members.
The woman told police that Steinmiller had been arguing with her throughout the day, prompting her to leave the residence for approximately three hours. She reportedly spent that time at the Dollar General in Jumping Branch before returning home around 5 p.m.
According to the complaint, Steinmiller continued arguing with his mother after she returned. She alleged that her son picked up a knife and threatened to kill her.
The woman told police she attempted to leave the residence and was walking toward her vehicle when Steinmiller allegedly pushed her in the back, causing her to fall forward into a bush.
The complaint states that the woman showed the trooper bruising on her left knee, upper leg and rib cage. She also reported believing that she had broken ribs as a result of the incident.
She told the trooper she was afraid of her son.
Police subsequently located Steinmiller outside the residence and detained him during the investigation.
When questioned, Steinmiller acknowledged that he and his mother had been arguing but denied threatening or physically assaulting her.
According to the complaint, Steinmiller claimed his mother had been walking backward toward her vehicle when she tripped over a bucket in the driveway and fell into the bush.
However, the investigating trooper reported observing a large amount of water sitting on the bucket’s lid, indicating that it appeared undisturbed. The trooper also stated that the woman’s injuries did not appear consistent with Steinmiller’s explanation of how she fell.
Steinmiller was taken into custody and transported to the West Virginia State Police Hinton Detachment for processing.
During a criminal history check, police discovered a previous murder and involuntary manslaughter case from Ohio involving an offense dated July 11, 2012.
Steinmiller’s mother told investigators he had recently been released from jail.
Police reported finding no previous West Virginia arrests or convictions for domestic battery or domestic assault.
Steinmiller was transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
The charges are allegations, and Steinmiller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
