SOUTH CHARLESTON — The West Virginia State Police is seeking the public’s help in identifying individuals from a photo taken at the scene of a fatal hit-and-run incident in Romney on June 15.
A press release also seeks information on horns being blown at the scene.
Deborah L. Edwards, 64, died from injuries received when struck by a vehicle while trying to cross U.S. 50 near the Family Dollar store at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The dark and blurry photograph accompanying a State Police press release Thursday afternoon depicted a white sedan sideways in the lane, and five individuals. The faces of two of them are completely obscured by background lights. There is what appears to be a man in a yellow sweater and jeans in the foreground of the photo and what appears to be a man and a woman in the background wearing dark jackets and jeans. There’s a white block in the center of the photo, presumably obscuring the victim's body.
“The WV State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the individuals in the attached photo,” Sgt. S.C. Allen, State Police Recruitment Coordinator, said in a press release. “If you are one of the individuals or were in the area that evening, and heard any vehicle horns being blown, or if you recognize any of the individuals, please contact the WV State Police Romney Detachment at 304-822-3561.
Investigation into the incident has come under criticism from residents in the community. A week after the incident, a State Police spokesman in Romney told the Review “there were cameras everywhere,” and that a vehicle and suspect who fled the scene had been identified. No arrests have been made and a protest for “Justice for Debbie” was held in front of the Hampshire County Courthouse.
Two weeks ago, Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel M. James was appointed as a special prosecutor in the case on July 7. He told the Review this week that there are multiple aspects to the case, some in control of the West Virginia State Police and some in control of other agencies and he is awaiting all of the information.
James said he has met with Edwards’ daughter and other family members to provide updates on the investigation and plans to continue to do so in the future.