Huntington Community Grieves After Fatal Family Stabbing Claims Three Lives in Lesage Home
Three family members were killed and another injured in a Cabell County stabbing as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly inc
Before sunrise, an ordinary home in Cabell County, West Virginia, became the scene of an unimaginable tragedy that has left an entire community grieving. Three members of the same family lost their lives in a fatal stabbing at a residence in the Lesage community, while another person was injured. As investigators continue piecing together what happened, loved ones are mourning lives cut short far too soon.
According to the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call shortly before 5:00 a.m. reporting that multiple people had been stabbed inside the home. Deputies, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel responded quickly to the residence, where they found three victims suffering from fatal stab wounds. Despite emergency efforts, all three were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth individual was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have described the case as an isolated domestic incident and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigators later identified the victims as 39-year-old Shawn Deel, her 18-year-old daughter, Abigale Sloan, and her 16-year-old son, Dekota Sloan. The three were members of the same family, making the loss especially heartbreaking for relatives and friends now facing an unimaginable absence. Officials have not released additional information regarding the injured individual or the circumstances that led to the violence as the investigation remains active.
The devastating news has been felt deeply throughout the Huntington area, where the family was known by many. Cabell County Schools confirmed that Shawn Deel was an employee of the school district, remembered by colleagues for her dedication and commitment. Her death has created profound sadness among coworkers who are now supporting one another while honoring her memory during an incredibly difficult time.
Abigale Sloan had recently graduated from Huntington High School, marking an important milestone before her life was tragically interrupted. Her younger brother, Dekota Sloan, was preparing to begin his sophomore year, looking ahead to another school year alongside classmates and friends. Their deaths have left fellow students, teachers, and school staff struggling to process a loss that has shaken the educational community.
In response to the tragedy, school officials announced that counselors and additional support services have been made available for students, employees, and family members affected by the incident. Community members have also expressed condolences while sharing memories of the victims and offering encouragement to those facing overwhelming grief. These efforts reflect a community determined to stand together during an exceptionally painful moment.
Meanwhile, detectives with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office continue gathering evidence and working to establish exactly what occurred inside the residence. Authorities have not disclosed further investigative details or discussed a possible motive while the case remains under active review. Officials have emphasized that the incident appears to have been isolated, while asking for patience as investigators continue their work.
As family, friends, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors remember Shawn Deel, Abigale Sloan, and Dekota Sloan, their focus remains on the lives they lived rather than the violence that ended them. The memories they created, the relationships they built, and the kindness they shared will continue to be treasured by those who knew them. While the investigation moves forward, their loved ones are left carrying a loss that will never be forgotten.
