Charles Duddy Echols III, 49, of Fairmont, West Virginia, died of gunshot wounds on July 30, 2023, following a domestic-related confrontation that began July 20, 2023. Echols had gone to the home of a woman identified as Ms. Chacon after learning she was involved with Michael Costello. Although Echols and Ms. Chacon had not been in a relationship for about a year, Echols used a remembered garage door code to enter the residence.

Inside, Echols allegedly became aggressive, knocking Ms. Chacon down and attacking Costello in the bedroom; much of the struggle was captured on a 911 call placed by Costello. Ms. Chacon briefly convinced Echols to leave, but he reengaged and attempted another attack. Costello retrieved a legal firearm and shot Echols five times. The Marion County investigation concluded the shots were front-to-back, fired from a moderate distance, and found Costello’s actions to be justified; no charges were filed at the time the decision was announced.

If anyone witnessed the encounter at the home or has information that could shed light on what happened that day, please share what is known.