In complaint filed in the Magistrate Court of Clay County on Monday, October 20th, 2025, Tpr. L.E. Whitt stated that on October 18, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Tpr. Whitt and Trooper C.A. Lane were dispatched to 3149 Clinic Drive, Chloe, WV for a report of gunfire being exchanged between neighbors.
When the Troopers arrived on scene, contact was made with the initial complainant, Marcus Taylor and his significant other Dee Dee Ann Edgell with their four children being present (age range 12 months-5 years) by Trooper Lane. While speaking with Marcus he claimed his neighbors had been shooting towards his residence and had shot his white in color Chevy Cobolt in his front yard. The Trooper was able to observe several bullet holes in the driver side of said vehicle. It is noted that Trooper Lane also observed several more bullet holes in the small boat just behind the white car.
At that time Tpr L.E. Whitt spoke with the other party involved being: Bryan Conrad, Rebecca Conrad, Joseph Hollister, Raymond Dechert, Cassandra White, Jonathan Coczur, Ottice Greathouse (property owner), and Kimberly Tanner (property owner). The parties stated and disclosed that a red in color Ford pickup truck had stopped at their residence and asked where Marcus lived, to which they gave him directions just at the end of the road (a short distance). The parties stated that the Red Pickup went up to Marcus’s residence for a short time, before opening a long span of gunfire towards their residence. The parties stated that the gunfire struck several of their vehicles and their residence. Trooper Whitt was able to observe several bullet holes on the front most facing side from Marcus’s residence, all of which were entrance shots into the residence. Trooper Whitt was also able to observe several of the vehicles to have sustained bullet holes, one of which suffered disabling damage. The parties stated that upon taking active gunfire from the subject they had returned gunfire. This returning gunfire included the subjects stationary location at the Marcus’s residence and while the subject was driving down the driveway past their residence.
With this new information both Troopers focused their attention on Marucs to uncover the wellbeing and identity of the shooter that had fled the scene. While speaking with Marucs he said something to the effect of “whatever he did when he was leaving, I’m not sure of.” When confronted with the statements provided from the victims, Marcus disclosed that his friend from work, Dennis Fearby was the one who visited him. Marcus initially claimed that he showed up uninvited. But, once presented, the new information stated he had him come to “make some noise” as a gesture back to the neighbors shooting outside their own residence. Marcus claimed to be on the other side of the residence while Mr. Fearby was doing “whatever” out front.
At this time, the shooter Dennis Fearby’s safety/whereabouts became upmost priority as it was unknown if he had been struck by the returning gunfire. The Troopers were given his direction of travel out of the driveway but were not able to locate him in the immediate area. It is noted that Marcus disclosed he had deleted messages between him and Dennis on Facebook Messenger, as he had sent him the address to his residence. Marcus also claimed to have no knowledge regarding Mr. Fearby’s condition after leaving his residence at this time. Prior to leaving the scene , troopers collected all electronic communication devices from Marcus (as to ensure no contact was made between Mr. Fearby and Marcus), and the firearms used to return fire at Mr. Fearby’s vehicle from the neighboring residence (as to preserve the evidence of the shooting while prioritizing Mr. Fearbys wellbeing).
These Troopers were able to locate Dennis Fearby Jr. at his residence, located at 17 Serenity Lane, Craigsville WV. Dennis was placed under arrest and submitted without incident. While on scene Dennis Jr. turned over what he claimed was the firearm used during the shooting, the firearm and two magazines were taken in for evidence where it will be retained at the WVSP Clay Detachment.
Dennis Jr. also cooperated and took these Troopers to where he had left his Red in color F150 at his mother residence located in Gilbo, WV.
The Troopers were able to locate said vehicle bearing which was towed for evidence by Logans Towing and will remain in their custody in a secured lot. It is noted 5 bullet holes were located on the truck, all of which were on the driver’s side.
Mr. Fearby was initially read his Miranda warning on scene but stated he would like legal representation prior to answering any questions or making any statements.
Dennis Jr. was transported to the WVSP Clay Detachment for processing and further interviewing and while being transported to the WVSP Clay detachment Mr. Fearby attempted to re-engage this Trooper regarding elements of the crime which he was being charged with.
Trooper Lane urged Mr. Fearby to wait until they arrived at the detachment, so that he could be re-read his rights before submitting any statements or answering any questions. The Trooper read Dennis Jr. his Miranda Warning and he agreed to speak without his attorney present.
In summary, Dennis Jr. disclosed the following: Marcus had been telling him that his neighbors had been shooting at his residence, Marcus said he could use someone to scare them back straight. On October 18th, Marcus called me and said that they shot his trailer again and I need you to let off at
least one bullet, I told him to send me his address and I would be there. When I showed up he pointed towards the house and said that’s where I want you to shoot, so I did approximately 25 times, they started shooting back at me, I left the residence, left my truck at my mother’s residence,
and got in my car and went back to my house. It should be noted in light of Mr. Fearby’s confession, only three (3) of the six (6) residents inside the home wished to pursuit any charges against Mr. Fearby.
Mr. Fearby is subsequently charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, wanton endangerment, and attempted first degree murder.
Tpr. Whitt traveled back to the scene and placed Marcus under arrest regarding the conspiracy regarding wanton endangerment (x6), conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder (x6), and child neglect causing risk of serious bodily injury (x4). Tpr. Whitt collected digital evidence in the form of photographs and video surveillance footage while on the scene (during the daylight) and approximately 15 spent 9mm shell casings next to Mr. Taylor’s residence (supporting the statements provided by Mr. Fearby during his confession).
Tpr. Whitt sought over the emergency temporary removal of the four children occupying Mr. Taylors residence by CPS during this time as well. This emergency removal came at the request of Tpr. Whitt given the circumstances regarding the children’s immediate safety being put at risk by both Mr. Taylor and Ms. Edgell knowingly inviting Mr. Fearby to their home with the intention of him firing a weapon upon their neighbors in a manner which to elicit fear or intimidation. Trooper Whitt transported Mr. Taylor and the physical/ digital evidence to the WVSP Clay detachment following the removal by CPS.
At the detachment Mr. Taylor was read his Miranda Warning and he agreed to speak with troopers while having his rights in mind. In summery Mr. Taylor disclosed the following: He told Mr. Fearby while at work on Thursday he wanted Mr. Fearby to put a bullet into his neighbor’s electric meter (it should be noted the neighbors electric meter faces Mr. Taylors front yard in the direction corroborating evidence suggests Mr. Fearby discharged his firearm from), Mr. Taylors neighbors began shooting once all his children were inside the house, Mr. Taylor contacted Mr. Fearby and requested he come to the home with a bullet, After arriving at the home Mr. Fearby commenced shooting toward the neighbor’s house (as Mr. Taylor and Mr. Fearby had discussed on Thursday), Mr. Taylor told Mr. Fearby to leave. Mr. Fearby called Mr. Taylor and informed him that he was alright.
During this phone call Mr. Taylor told Mr. Fearby to delete the call they were currently on and messages between the two of them regarding Mr. Taylors physical address. Mr. Taylor was adamant that his intentions were not to cause a firefight in his front yard and remained steadfast in his assertions that he only thought Mr. Fearby would fire into the air (despite their recent plan for Mr. Fearby to shoot toward his neighbor’s domicile). It should be noted Mr. Taylors recollection of events did not align with his original statements made on scene, the video surveillance footage recovered by Trooper Whitt did not support statements provided during the interview by Mr. Taylor, and was consistently changed in regards to timeline discrepancies.
Based on the information collected throughout a thorough investigation of the facts presented it was determined by Trooper Lane that Mr. Taylor intentionally misrepresented the actions taking place at his home to Mr. Fearby, Mr. Fearby alluded to his children living in constant fear of his neighbors, and his neighbors actively targeting he and his family as a show of force.
Throughout Mr. Taylors ongoing issues with his neighbors, he elected to allow Mr. Fearby onto his property with the intentions of Mr. Fearby firing upon the adjacent home. Mr. Fearby agreed to help Mr. Taylor under the guise of Mr. Taylor having exhausted every option without success in securing peace on his homestead.
Mr. Taylor told Mr. Fearby where to shoot in regards to his neighbor’s house then assisted in Mr. Fearby’s flight from the scene as a means of self-preservation out of fear of repercussions of his actions. This trooper believes Mr. Taylor intentionally weaponized Mr. Fearby’s mental cognitive disorder for his own person gain of displaying dominance and intimidation upon his neighbors.
Mr. Dennis Lee Fearby is charged with nine (9) felony counts in Clay County under case number 25-M08F-00066: conspiracy to commit a felony (x3), wanton endangerment (x3), attempted murder first degree (x3). He is currently being held in the WV Central Regional Jail on a $150,000 bond.
Mr. Marcus Taylor is charged with sixteen (16) felony counts: conspiracy to commit wanton endangerment (x6), conspiracy to commit attempted murder first degree (x6), and child neglect causing risk of serious bodily injury (x4). He currently is being held at the WV Central Regional Jail with a bond set at $150,000 in case number 25-M08F-00067
All physical evidence was placed in the WVSP Clay Detachment property and evidence room to include the phones (x3), firearms (x4), laptop, spent 9mm casings (x15). Al digital evidence to include video surveillance footage, photos, and body worn camera were uploaded to the report. The suspect vehicle was towed from the suspects mother’s property to Logans tow yard with a temporary hold in lieu of a search warrant regarding further evidence collection.
On 20 October 2025 Tpr. L. E. Whitt interviewed Ms. DeeDee Ann Edgell regarding the above events that took place. This interview was conducted at the WVSP Clay Detachment where Ms. Edgell was read her Miranda Warning prior to all questioning. In summary Ms. Edgell divulged the following: She and Mr. Marcus had talked frequently about their distain for the neighbors (special attention to Mr. Raymond Dechert), Mr. Marcus told her on several occasions that he wanted to kill Mr. Dechert.
On the night of the October 18th following the neighbors shooting outside their house, Marcus called Mr. Fearby and asked him to come to the house, Marcus told Ms. Edgell that he’s got a shooter coming to the house, approximately 45 minutes later Mr. Fearby arrived at their home. Marcus pointed at their neighbors home and said something of to the effect of “shoot that place” (it should be noted Ms. Edgell was inside during this interaction but could see both Marcus and Mr. Fearby). While Mr. Fearby was shooting at the neighbor’s house Marcus encouraged Mr. Fearby to keep shooting, following many of shots by Mr. Fearby, Marcus told Mr. Fearby to get out of there and drive as far away as he could.
Ms. Edgell told Marcus he would be arrested and how stupid he was after the shooting had taken place but was instructed by Marcus to shut up and lie to the police when they arrived, Marcus encouraged Ms. Edgell to delete video surveillance footage from their home to cover up that Mr. Fearby had fired at the neighbors home prior to the neighbors returning gunfire toward the home shared by Marcus and Ms. Edgell, Ms. Edgell complied with Marcus’s instructions, Ms. Edgell lied to law enforcement during initial questioning out of fear of the physical repercussions she would endure from Marcus, Ms. Edgell stated something to the effect of “Marcus took advantage of Mr. Fearbys cognitive deficiency by having him shoot at the neighbors to intimidate or harm Raymond, and thought he could get away with it because he didn’t pull the trigger”. It should be noted that Ms. Edgell appeared emotionally compromised and remorseful when speaking about how she played apart in endangering her children.
Ms. Edgell was subsequently charged with conspiracy to commit a felony (x6), and child neglect causing risk of serious bodily injury (x4) in regards to the time lapse associated with Marcus informing her he was bringing a shooter to the house, in order to cause physical bodily harm or intimidate their neighbors by threats of physical bodily harm, and Mr. Fearby’s arrival in conjunction with Ms. Edgell’s failure to act in any reasonable manner to ensure the safety of her children. She too is being held at the WV Central Regional Jail on Case Number 25-M08F-00068 with her bond set at $75,000.00. All
acts occurred in Clay County W.
