DAVIS — Two people are dead following an apparent road rage incident in Tucker County, according to a press release from the West Virginia State Police.

“On September 4, 2023, at approximately 10:07 pm, Tucker 911 Communications dispatched a shooting complaint near the address of 9147 Appalachian Highway in Davis, WV,” the press release states. “A vehicle driven by 46-year-old Joseph M. Nelson of Dry Fork, WV, became involved in a road rage type incident which led to the vehicles stopping in the roadway near 9147 Appalachian Highway. Joseph Nelson allegedly exited his vehicle with a pipe in hand along with his son who was also allegedly armed with a large adjustable wrench. 

“At that time, the occupant of a green Toyota Tacoma fired one shot from within the cab of the Tacoma, striking Joseph Nelson in the chest. The driver of the green Toyota Tacoma then fled the scene.”

State police were quickly on scene and performed CPR on the victim, but the suspect was not immediately located, according to the release.

“Sgt. Pyles was nearby when the call came out and began performing CPR upon arrival, the release states. “Joesph Nelson succumbed to his injuries. The WVSP Crime Scene Team responded and processed the crime scene.”

The following day, police identified the suspect and began searching for him.

“On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Troopers received information identifying 41-year-old Daniel Lee Sanders of Tunnelton, WV as the suspect in the homicide which occurred in Tucker County on the day prior,” the release notes. “A warrant was obtained from Tucker County Magistrate Court, charging the suspect with second-degree murder.  Sgt. J. A. McDougal received information indicating the suspect, Daniel Lee Sanders, was in the area of 22654 Mountaineer Drive in Seneca Rocks, WV.  The suspect had a camping/river lot, and it was believed he had fled to the alternate residence after the incident in Tucker County. 

“Once it was confirmed the suspect was at that residence, a West Virginia State Police Special Response Team responded to the scene to possibly make entry. Shortly after arrival and before entry could be made, the suspect barricaded himself inside the residence. Units on scene heard a gunshot from inside the residence.  Upon entry, the suspect was found deceased as a result of what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  

“The Troop 2 Crime Scene team was activated, responded, and processed the scene. This investigation remains active and ongoing.”