Jared Kessler

PARKERSBURG — Jared Kessler, 19, was charged with murder Friday in the death of his mother, Carol Ann Kessler, 50, of 1131 Stadium Drive, said Parkersburg Police Chief Joe Martin.

Martin said officers arrived at the Stadium Drive home at 6:47 a.m. Friday and spoke to an individual who knew the victim and identified her. Officers learned that Carol Ann Kessler lived at the residence with her son Jared Kessler, Martin said.

“Uniformed officers located the son, Jared Kessler, and the victim’s vehicle at the Latrobe Street Mission shortly after the initial call was made to 911,” said Martin.

Jared Kessler had made contact with an employee at the Latrobe Street Mission and the employee notified police, Martin said.

“Officers observed Jared to be covered in blood at this time and was taken to Parkersburg Police Headquarters for questioning,” said Martin.

Jared Kessler told investigators he and his mother had a verbal argument that turned violent, Martin said.

According to the criminal complaint, Kessler said he stabbed his mother several times about the chest and abdomen. Kessler also said he then cut the victim’s neck and face multiple times, the criminal complaint said.

Crime scene technicians, detectives and Wood County Coroner Mike St. Clair conducted a detailed search of the residence, before removing the body from the scene, Martin said.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday in Charleston at the state Medical Examiner’s Office.

Martin said the detectives collected photographs and evidence that supported the statement provided by Jared Kessler.

Jared Kessler will have an initial appearance in Wood County Magistrate Court and a formal arraignment in Wood County Circuit Court in the coming days, Martin said. Kessler remained incarcerated Friday without bond at the North Central Regional Jail.

Detectives are following up on leads to present the case to a Wood County grand jury, Martin said. Anyone with information pertaining to the suspect or the victim is asked to contact Detective K. Barnette at 304-424-8444 or visit parkersburgpolice.com to provide anonymous tips via the tip line.

The Kesslers had recently moved to Parkersburg from St. Marys, Martin said.