Authorities in Mercer County, West Virginia, have released more information about a tragic chain of events that began as a family dispute and ended in an officer-involved shooting on Thursday, November 6, 2025. According to the West Virginia State Police, troopers were dispatched to the Rock area after receiving reports of a man lying in the roadway. When they arrived, they found 80-year-old Randall Mabe suffering from gunshot wounds.
Randall told troopers that his brother, 72-year-old Fredrick Mabe, was the one who had shot him. Officers learned that after the initial confrontation, Fredrick had retreated to his nearby home and barricaded himself inside with a firearm. Given the potential threat to public safety, law enforcement quickly established a perimeter and called for assistance from Special Response Teams trained for high-risk operations. Negotiators attempted to contact Fredrick in hopes of reaching a peaceful resolution.
However, the standoff turned violent when Fredrick reportedly began firing at officers from inside the home. Law enforcement officials said troopers returned fire after being met with gunfire, striking Fredrick during the exchange. Once the scene was secured, medical responders entered the home and confirmed that Fredrick had died from his injuries. No officers were hurt during the confrontation.
Randall Mabe was treated at the scene and then transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening, and he is expected to recover. The West Virginia State Police confirmed that the case remains under active investigation. As part of standard protocol, the incident will be reviewed to ensure that all procedures were followed correctly. Investigators are examining body-camera footage, shell casings, and witness statements to determine the full sequence of events.
Residents of Rock, a small rural community in Mercer County, expressed deep sadness and disbelief over the incident, noting that violence of this nature is rare in their area. Many described the situation as heartbreaking, particularly because it involved two elderly brothers. Officials emphasized that officers took extensive precautions to de-escalate the conflict before being forced to return fire in self-defense.
The West Virginia State Police extended condolences to the Mabe family and reaffirmed their commitment to transparency as the investigation continues. Authorities urged community members to seek help in resolving domestic disputes before they escalate into violence. The area around the scene has since been cleared, and no ongoing threat to the public remains.
