MATEWAN, W.Va. — State police arrested a Mingo County man Friday night in connection with the shooting death of state police Sgt. Cory Maynard.
Timothy Kennedy, 29, of Beech Creek, was taken into custody after troopers and other law enforcement searched for him for about seven hours.
The investigation began at mid-afternoon Friday when troopers, including Sgt. Maynard, arrived in the Beech Creek area to investigate a shooting call. A person had been shot and then once police arrived Maynard was shot. Maynard was transported to Logan Memorial Hospital where he died.
A manhunt began for Kennedy. He was arrested at around 10 p.m. The circumstances surrounding the arrest were not immediately available.
Procession has arrived at state ME’s office pic.twitter.com/u5vMeYdqc4
— Jeff Jenkins (@JeffJenkinsMN) June 3, 2023
Maynard’s body was escorted to the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Charleston Friday night where an autopsy will be performed this weekend.
Two state police troopers planned to spend the night with their fallen law enforcement brother. There were a number of troopers, deputies and city police on the scene to pay their respects including Charleston Police Chief Tyke Hunt.
Maynard was a decorated trooper. He was honored by the state police in 2015 with a Lifesaving Award. He saved a man’s life who was involved in a pursuit in the Eastern Panhandle. The man was trying to take his own life and Maynard, then a trooper first class, saved his life.
Williamson attorney, former state lawmaker, Justin Marcum told MetroNews that Maynard grew up close to Williamson in neighboring Belfry, Kentucky. He said they knew each growing up and maintained their friendship over the years. Marcum said he saw Maynard jogging Friday morning in downtown Williamson.
“He throws his hand up, runs over and says, ‘What’s up buddy? I’m going to get this day in,” You don’t even think about this stuff, it breaks your heart,” Marcum said fighting back tears.
The only significant time that Maynard spent away from the coalfields was in his first few years as a trooper in the eastern panhandle.
“Even though he got that award (in 2015) he did stuff like that all the time,” Marcum said. “He might not have saved a person’s life every day but he touched people’s lives every day.”
Maynard, who was in his upper 30s, leaves behind a wife and two children and many family members and friends, Marcum said.
“He would give you a hug or a fist bump—just a happy guy,” Marcum said.
The fatal shooting comes one year to the day that Nicholas County Deputy Tom Baker was shot and killed during a shootout in the Birch River area. That shooting was on Friday night, June 3, 2022.
There have been three police officers killed in West Virginia in the last two-and-a-half years including Maynard, Deputy Baker in June 2022 and Charleston police officer Cassie Johnson who died after being shot in early December 2020.
A statement from United States Attorney Will Thompson:
We join with all West Virginians in grief at the loss of State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard, who was shot and fatally wounded in the line of duty earlier today. Throughout this district, our state and our nation…
(1/3)— U.S. Attorney SDWV (@SDWVnews) June 3, 2023
Gov. Jim Justice confirmed Maynard’s death at just before 7 p.m. Friday.
“I am absolutely heartbroken tonight to report that Sergeant Cory Maynard of the West Virginia State Police was fatally wounded in an incident this afternoon near Matewan,” Justice said.
“Cathy and I share our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt prayers to all of Trooper Maynard’s loved ones and the entire law enforcement community of West Virginia for this tragic loss tonight.
“The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all. I again ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in embracing Trooper Maynard’s family, loved ones, and all of our courageous West Virginians in uniform during this incredibly difficult time.”
Body of WVSP Sgt. Cory Maynard now at state Medical Examiner’s Office in Charleston. pic.twitter.com/JRpayvwlQo
— Jeff Jenkins (@JeffJenkinsMN) June 3, 2023
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin tweeted:
“I am heartbroken to hear of the death of @WVStatePolice Sgt. Cory Maynard in the line of duty today. I ask all West Virginians to join Gayle & I in praying for Sgt. Maynard’s family, friends, & our entire law enforcement community as we mourn the loss of this brave public servant.”
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito also responded to the death:
“I’m heartbroken to hear of the death of Sergeant Cory Maynard in the line of duty. Our brave men and women of law enforcement and all first responders are heroes and we honor their service and sacrifice.”
Second District Congresswoman Carol Miller called the death of Maynard “an horrific attack.”
“Sergeant Maynard served and sacrificed his life for the safety of our community. Sergeant Maynard served and sacrificed his life for the safety of our community. I am forever grateful to our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to protect West Virginia. As we mourn this tragedy, let’s be grateful for Sergeant Maynard’s dedicated service to our state,” Miller said.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson said, “Throughout this district, our state and our nation, the men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of us all. Today’s tragedy is a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in that sacred task. Sgt. Maynard proved himself an outstanding example of selfless service and dedication to his community, and we mourn alongside our state and the law enforcement community.”
State police are expected to release more information on the investigation Saturday.
Mingo Central High School postponed its commencement Friday night because of the manhunt and out of respect for Sgt. Maynard. It’s been rescheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday.