Man Accused of Killing Ex-Wife and 2 Teen Children In Stabbing Spree After His Hidden Camera Was Found In Bedroom

A West Virginia man has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of his ex-wife and her two children. Joshua Deel, 39, is accused of fatally stabbing Shawn Deel, 39, her daughter Abigale Sloan, 18, and her son Dekota Sloan, 16, in their home on 21 July.

The devastating events unfolded in the predawn hours, when deputies from the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call made by Joshua. He reported being attacked alongside his family in their residence in Lesage. When emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 4:57 a.m., they were met with a harrowing sight; the home was chaotic and blood-soaked.

According to the criminal complaint acquired by PEOPLE, Joshua was discovered lying face down in the living room, covered in blood. The deputies located the three victims scattered throughout the house, each suffering from multiple stab wounds. Efforts to revive Abigale were made after a faint pulse was detected, yet tragically, all three were pronounced dead by the time emergency medical personnel arrived.

Initial investigations led officers to consider Joshua as a possible victim. However, further enquiries revealed alarming information surrounding the moments leading up to the stabbings. A neighbour contacted the sheriff’s office to report hearing a loud argument between Joshua and a female before the 911 call was made. When confronted with this detail, Joshua denied any such altercation took place.

Detectives later uncovered that Joshua had been involved in an incident just hours prior to the stabbings, where he was allegedly caught attempting to use his phone to secretly photograph a female in her bedroom. Though he initially denied the allegations, he purportedly confessed later, admitting there had been a verbal dispute with another unidentified individual after being caught.

Joshua claimed that following the altercation, he went to bed but was subsequently attacked while attempting to use the bathroom during the night. He suggested that he had attempted to intervene on behalf of the victims, insisting he confronted an unknown assailant he described as wearing a mask.

The investigation also revealed that a weapon, presumably used in the attack, was found on the front porch of the home. Reports indicate that despite the marital separation, Shawn and her children had been residing at the house where the grisly events occurred.

As the investigation continues, Joshua Deel has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and is currently being held without bail. The next steps in the legal proceedings are yet to be determined, but the community is reeling from the tragic loss of two young lives, alongside that of their mother.

This heartbreaking case has raised numerous questions about domestic violence and the circumstances leading up to such tragic events. As authorities piece together the details, the focus will remain on the profound impact of this incident on the victims’ family and their community, as well as the need for broader discussions around domestic abuse in society.

There is still significant work to be done in terms of legal proceedings and supporting the victims’ families during this unimaginably difficult time. The story serves as a tragic reminder of the potential consequences of unresolved conflict and the severe consequences that can arise in emotionally charged situations.