West Virginia Parents Arrested After Children Found Fighting With Knives, Holding Gun Alone For 12 Hours
SOPHIA, WEST VIRGINIA — A West Virginia couple is facing serious charges after police discovered their three children — ages 8, 10, and 10 — left home alone for more than 12 hours, during which the unsupervised kids reportedly fought each other with knives, used chemical spray, and were in possession of a firearm.
Authorities say 46-year-old Kenneth Neal Conley and 44-year-old Tamara Ann Conley were arrested and charged with gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death, a felony offense under West Virginia law.
Police Discovered Chaos After Welfare Check
According to a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime, officers from the Sophia Police Department responded to a welfare check on October 1 at the couple’s apartment in Sophia, located about 60 miles southeast of Charleston.
When officers arrived, they found the three young children alone and unsupervised for more than 12 hours, with the home reportedly containing multiple dangerous items and substances. Investigators said the children had engaged in a fight involving knives and had used a chemical spray on each other. They also allegedly had access to a firearm that had been left unsecured in the home.
Dangerous Conditions Inside the Home
Officers also reported finding drug paraphernalia and residue that tested positive for methamphetamine within reach of the children. The complaint stated that the combination of weapons, chemicals, and drugs created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury and exposed the minors to controlled substances.
Police said the apartment was in disarray and unsafe for any child to inhabit without supervision, prompting immediate intervention from local authorities.
Parents Arrested and Facing Felony Charges
Following the investigation, arrest warrants were issued for both Kenneth and Tamara Conley on October 2. The couple was taken into custody on October 8 and booked into the Southern Regional Jail.
A magistrate judge set bond at $10,000 each. Court records show they are scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Deems for a preliminary hearing later this week.
Authorities have not released information regarding who is currently caring for the children, but Child Protective Services has reportedly been notified as the investigation continues.
Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
The disturbing nature of the incident has drawn significant concern from residents in the small Raleigh County town. Neighbors expressed disbelief over how long the children were left alone and how close the situation came to turning deadly.
The Sophia Police Department continues to investigate, and prosecutors are expected to present the case to the Raleigh County Circuit Court for potential indictment.
If convicted, both parents could face multiple years in prison for felony child neglect under West Virginia law.
As authorities continue to address this troubling case, the community of Sophia is reminded of the critical importance of child safety and supervision. For more updates on local investigations, family safety news, and community developments across the Midwest and beyond, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.