Woman Charged After Breaking Into Chicken Coop Where Two Were Living

Authorities say Anna Groves was stabbed during the incident in Clendenin, West Virginia.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:25am

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An extreme close-up of a rusted, weathered padlock on a wooden door, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the forced entry at the center of this rural housing dispute.A harsh, gritty close-up of a broken lock symbolizes the trespassing and forced entry at the heart of this rural housing dispute.Clendenin Today

A 32-year-old woman named Anna Groves has been charged by the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office after she allegedly forced her way into a chicken coop in Clendenin, West Virginia where two people were living. During the incident, Groves was stabbed, though the details around the stabbing are unclear. She is now facing charges related to the break-in.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of homelessness and housing insecurity in rural parts of West Virginia, where some individuals have resorted to living in makeshift shelters like chicken coops. It also raises questions about the use of force and the rights of both property owners and trespassers in such situations.

The details

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, Anna Groves forcibly entered a chicken coop in Clendenin, West Virginia where two people were residing. During the incident, Groves was stabbed, though the details around the stabbing are unclear. Groves is now facing charges related to the break-in, though the specific charges have not been disclosed.

  • The incident occurred on April 2, 2026.

The players

Anna Groves

A 32-year-old woman from Clendenin, West Virginia who allegedly broke into a chicken coop where two people were living.

Kanawha County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident and charging Anna Groves.

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What’s next

The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the incident and the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing housing crisis in rural areas and the difficult situations that can arise when individuals resort to unconventional living arrangements out of necessity. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of force and the rights of both property owners and trespassers in such cases.