Man faces second-degree murder charges after allegedly fleeing from fatal wreck

A West Virginia man faces two charges of second-degree murder following a fatal wreck, according to a press release from the W.Va. State Police.

“On Sunday, March 5, 2023, at approximately 7:30 pm, S/Tpr. S. A. Wickline was dispatched to a car crash on Coal River Road in Arnette,” the release states. “Once on scene, S/Tpr. Wickline learned the driver of a gold Lincoln SUV involved in the crash had fled the scene.

“The second vehicle involved was occupied by the driver, Sara Pettry, 30, of Naoma, WV, and three juvenile passengers. Sara Pettry and her three-year-old daughter passed away due to injuries sustained from the crash.  A seven-year-old female passenger was flown to CAMC for treatment. An 11-year-old male was transported by ambulance to Raleigh General Hospital for treatment.

“A WVSP crash reconstruction team responded to work the crash, and Investigators were able to identify a person of interest. On Monday, March 6, 2023, at approximately 3:30 pm, Kevin Lamar Graybeal, 54 of Dameron, WV was taken into custody and charged with two (2) counts of Second-Degree Murder, two (2) counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Death, and one (1) count each of Reckless Driving, Driving Suspended, Obstructing an Officer, and Assault.

“Kevin Graybeal was transported to Raleigh General Hospital for injuries believed to be sustained from the crash.  This investigation remains active and ongoing.”