WEST UNION - The Doddridge County Sheriff's Department said officials have not decided whether a juvenile accused of killing three family members will be tried as an adult.
Frederick A. Spencer III and his wife, Dixie L. Spencer and their daughter Patience Josette "P.J." Spencer were killed Monday in their home off West Virginia 18 north of West Union. Officials and relatives have identified the alleged shooter as 16-year-old Joseph Spencer.
Law enforcement officials earlier this week refused to confirm names or release additional details in the Labor Day triple homicide. However, in a press release sent out early Friday morning, Deputy C.W. Modesitt confirmed the identities of the parents, used the initials "P.S." to identify the 9-year-old daughter, and said "a juvenile son J.S. has been arrested and is awaiting a pre-trial hearing."
In the release Modesitt said law enforcement officials are continuing to collect and analyze evidence and "a decision has not yet been made on whether the juvenile will be tried as an adult."
A press release earlier in the week said the alleged shooter was facing three charges of first-degree murder.
Modesitt told the Charleston Gazette he hasn't established a motive for the slayings. He also said police had no previous run-ins with the suspect.
A call to the Doddridge County Prosecuting Attorney's Office on Friday was not returned. Prosecutor Brooke Fitzgerald previously had refused to comment on the case or meet with reporters.
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel sent a Freedom of Information Act request to the prosecutor's office Wednesday asking for a copy of the criminal complaint from Monday's shooting. The prosecutor's office has not yet responded.
Memorial services for the Spencer family will be held 2 p.m. today in the T. Edward Davis Gymnasium at Salem (W.Va.) International University where a time of gathering will be held two hours prior. Arrangements were made by the Harbert Funeral Home in Salem, which Thursday morning issued obituaries for the family.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
