Warren Bruce Crowder, a 77-year-old man from Nitro, West Virginia, faces serious charges after allegedly trying to kill his wife in their home on the 700 block of Kanawha Avenue South early Monday morning, February 2, 2026.
Incident Summary
After an argument, his wife locked herself in the bedroom and called 911 around 4 a.m. Crowder reportedly swung an ax at the door, kicked it, and fired four gunshots through it, knowing she was just 3-4 feet away hiding near the bed. Officers arrived, saw her safe through a window, forced entry, and found bullet holes plus shrapnel inside.
Arrest and Charges
Crowder confessed to the shooting during questioning. He’s charged with attempted murder and four counts of wanton endangerment, held on $50,000 cash bond in Kanawha County jail, with a preliminary hearing set for February 11. No injuries were reported to his wife.
This case highlights West Virginia’s strict domestic violence laws, which mandate arrests in such scenarios and impose escalating penalties for repeat offenses. If you’re in danger, call 911 immediately. For support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text “START” to 88788—confidential and 24/7.
