Troopers were called to Newcomb's home after his family requested a well-being check. Troopers announced their presence when arriving at Newcomb's residence, and “subsequently encountered Mr. Newcomb advancing toward them with a hammer raised in his hand.” When he would not drop the hammer, he was shot and killed.
Victim's Name: Joseph Newcomb
Agency Responsible: West Virginia State Police
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Race: White
Date of Death: November 6, 2016
County: McDowell
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: hammer
Threat Level: other
Fleeing: Not fleeing
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 2027
Geography: Rural