Deborah Lynn Harless, a 59-year-old White/Caucasian woman from South Charleston, was found dead in a residence on Middle White Oak Road in Peytona, West Virginia, on September 7, 2023, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound. State Police were called to investigate and detained a man named Howard Kirk at the scene; authorities described the inquiry into the circumstances as ongoing. Friends and family remembered Harless for her lively personality, memorable laugh, and gift for storytelling; a celebration of her life was held.

If anyone knew Deborah, lived in Peytona, or has information about what happened on Middle White Oak Road that night, please come forward.