Former CMU Faculty Involved in Murder-Suicide Incident in West Virginia

Authorities believe Douglas Morrow shot his wife Dawn and mother-in-law Nancy Lindwedel before taking his own life.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A former Colorado Mesa University (CMU) faculty member, Douglas Morrow, was involved in a double murder-suicide incident in Summersville, West Virginia. According to the Summersville Police Department, Morrow allegedly shot and killed his wife Dawn Morrow and his mother-in-law Nancy Lindwedel before turning the gun on himself.

Why it matters

The tragic incident has shocked the CMU community, where both Douglas and Dawn Morrow were alumni and Douglas had worked as an adjunct faculty member in the Music Theatre department. The case raises questions about potential warning signs and the need for greater mental health support and resources, especially for those in high-stress professions.

The details

Police responded to a 911 call on Thursday evening about three individuals with 'severe head trauma' who were unconscious and unresponsive at a home in the Tara Estates subdivision in Summersville. Authorities found all three deceased at the scene and believe Douglas Morrow shot Dawn Morrow and Nancy Lindwedel before taking his own life.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday evening around 5 p.m.
  • The couple had moved to West Virginia from Colorado in the summer of 2022.

The players

Douglas Morrow

A former adjunct faculty member at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) who worked with the Music Theatre department, directing musical stage productions and accompanying students in private lessons. He had over 40 years of experience as a career musician.

Dawn Morrow

Douglas Morrow's wife, who was also a CMU graduate, earning her master's degree in business. She was known for her photography, singing gospel music, and crafting her own line of greeting cards. She was an advocate for education and awareness for a rare cystic lung disease called Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, which she was diagnosed with.

Nancy Lindwedel

Douglas Morrow's mother-in-law, who was also killed in the incident.

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What’s next

The investigation of the incident remains ongoing, and no further information is known at this time. The individuals' bodies have been taken to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsies.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has left the CMU community in shock and raises important questions about the need for greater mental health support and resources, especially for those in high-stress professions. The case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing underlying issues and providing help to those who may be struggling.