Mercer County Man Charged with First-Degree Murder After Ambushing and Shooting Woman

PRINCETON — A 33-year-old man from Mercer County, West Virginia, is facing charges of first-degree murder after allegedly ambushing and shooting a woman on Thursday evening near Princeton. The suspect, identified as Cory Lee Callen of Bluefield, appeared before Magistrate Susan Honaker in a video hearing on Friday morning. Callen is currently being held without bond at the Central Regional Jail in Braxton County.

The incident took place around 8:08 p.m. on Thursday when troopers from the West Virginia State Police Princeton detachment were dispatched to Gardner Loop Road in response to a report of a female individual who had been shot. According to the criminal complaint filed by Senior Trooper N.C. Patton, the victim was identified as Leona Edwards. Edwards had sustained multiple gunshot wounds while exiting her vehicle.

“The victim succumbed to her wounds a short time later,” stated Patton in the criminal complaint. Further investigation revealed that Edwards had recently filed a domestic violence petition against Cory Callen. Patton’s report also indicated that the accused had made numerous threats to kill the victim. Based on the findings, Patton believes that Callen was lying in wait for Edwards to exit her vehicle before shooting her.

Witnesses at the scene described a male individual wearing a grey sweatshirt leaving the area in a white SUV. Patton stated that the accused then fled the scene. Through investigative techniques, law enforcement tracked the SUV from Mercer County to Nicholas County. Callen was apprehended while wearing a grey sweatshirt and driving a white SUV.

During the arraignment, Magistrate Honaker informed Callen that he would be held without bond. Under West Virginia law, bond in first-degree murder cases must be set by a circuit court judge.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and its potential consequences. Domestic violence petitions provide a means for victims to seek legal protection, and law enforcement agencies work diligently to investigate and apprehend suspects involved in such cases.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is crucial to seek help from local authorities or support organizations. Together, we can strive to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and communities.

For more information or assistance, please contact your local law enforcement agency or reach out to organizations dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com