Three Dead in Suspected Nicholas County Double Murder-Suicide

Summersville police identify victims as Dawn Morrow, Nancy Lindwedel, and Douglas Morrow

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Summersville Police Department has identified three people found dead in a home on Thursday evening in what authorities believe to be a double murder and suicide. The victims were identified as Dawn Morrow, Nancy Lindwedel, and Douglas Morrow. According to the preliminary investigation, it appears Douglas Morrow allegedly shot his wife Dawn Morrow and his mother-in-law Nancy Lindwedel before turning the gun on himself.

Why it matters

Tragic incidents of domestic violence and murder-suicides continue to impact communities across the country, highlighting the need for greater mental health resources and support systems to help prevent such devastating outcomes.

The details

Police responded to a 911 call around 5 p.m. on Thursday about three individuals with severe head trauma who were unconscious and unresponsive at a home in the Tara Estates subdivision in Summersville. The Summersville Police Department and the Nicholas County Sheriff's Office found all three individuals deceased at the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates that Douglas Morrow allegedly shot his wife Dawn Morrow and his mother-in-law Nancy Lindwedel before taking his own life.

  • The 911 call came in around 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • The bodies were discovered at the home in the Tara Estates subdivision in Summersville.

The players

Dawn Morrow

One of the victims, who was allegedly shot and killed by her husband Douglas Morrow.

Nancy Lindwedel

The mother-in-law of Douglas Morrow, who was also allegedly shot and killed by him.

Douglas Morrow

The alleged perpetrator who is believed to have shot and killed his wife Dawn Morrow and his mother-in-law Nancy Lindwedel before taking his own life.

Summersville Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call and is investigating the incident.

Nicholas County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that assisted the Summersville Police Department in responding to the scene.

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What they’re saying

“An investigation is underway after three people were found dead inside a home in Summersville, according to Summersville Police Chief Brad Reed.”

— Brad Reed, Summersville Police Chief (WOWK 13 News)

What’s next

The bodies have been taken to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsies, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence and mental health issues in order to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.