Fayette County, WV – A tragic shooting in the Mt. Carbon community on Monday, August 18, 2025, left two men dead and three others injured in an incident that prompted a brief shelter-in-place order and a large-scale law enforcement response.
Authorities from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office have since identified 53-year-old Michael Hall as the shooter, and 49-year-old John Middleton as the man who was fatally shot during the attack. Both men were residents of Mt. Carbon.
Deputies said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident with Hall as the aggressor, ultimately turning the weapon on himself in an apparent murder-suicide. The motive remains unclear and is still under investigation.
According to reports, deputies responded to a 911 call around 10:30 a.m. after neighbors heard gunfire in the area. Law enforcement officials discovered Middleton deceased outside a neighboring carport, while Hall was later found dead inside his own residence, having suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Three additional individuals sustained minor injuries from shotgun pellets and are believed to have been unintended bystanders caught in the chaos. Authorities noted that their injuries were not life-threatening.
Due to the initial uncertainty of the shooter’s whereabouts, law enforcement issued a temporary shelter-in-place alert to protect residents in the area. That order was lifted after deputies confirmed there was no ongoing threat.
The scene was secured by a coordinated response involving the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia State Police, Montgomery Police Department, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
Even when the perpetrator is deceased, as in this case, victims of shootings—or their surviving loved ones—may still have legal avenues to seek justice. Civil claims can be filed to recover compensation for:
Physical injuries
Emotional trauma
Funeral expenses
Medical treatment
Lost income or support
If investigators determine that the shooter obtained the firearm illegally or if negligence by a third party contributed to the tragedy—such as inadequate property security or failure to intervene in a known threat—then additional civil claims may be available against those entities.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, we specialize in helping victims of violent crimes—and their families—pursue civil justice after devastating events like shootings. When criminal charges are not an option, or when the perpetrator is deceased, our civil legal system can provide a path to accountability and compensation.
Whether you are a bystander injured in a shooting or a family member grieving the loss of a loved one, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your rights, understand your legal options, and begin the journey toward healing and justice.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let our legal team help you uncover the truth, seek justice, and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Source:
https://wchstv.com/news/local/two-dead-three-injured-in-shooting-incident-in-fayette-county
