Elkins, W.Va. — In a disturbing incident that has gripped the local community, a Valley Head man stands accused of severely injuring another man by allegedly running him over with an ATV. The case unfolded in the Randolph County Magistrate Court where 37-year-old Joseph Lee Shipman faced charges of malicious or unlawful assault.
During a preliminary hearing, Magistrate Benjamin Shepler decided against altering Shipman’s $25,000 cash-only bond, following opposing arguments from the defense and prosecution. While the defense argued that Shipman, a local resident, was not a flight risk, the prosecution contested this claim, pointing to Shipman’s actions prior to arrest which suggested he might flee.
At the crux of this case are the harrowing events said to have occurred in the early hours of June 30. Jeffrey Stanton, the alleged victim and resident of Valley Head, testified that he was suddenly run over by Shipman while outside the Valley Head Post Office. According to Stanton, Shipman did not stop there but attempted to hit him again. Fortunately, Stanton managed to evade further injury and was later assisted to a friend’s house.
Despite the shock and physical harm, Stanton, who suffered significant injuries including a broken “bottom plate” above his left kneecap, was unable to contact emergency services due to a lack of telephone access among him and his acquaintances at the time. Following the incident, he required surgery to insert two screws in his leg and has since been unable to work.
Adding to the intensity of the hearing were details presented concerning Shipman’s alleged threats. Text messages introduced in court indicated Shipman had expressed intent to kill Stanton due to a dispute involving Shipman’s ex-girlfriend—an aspect that further complicated the narrative.
No witnesses were called by the defense during the hearing. The argument put forth by Shipman’s attorney suggested that the reliability of Stanton’s account could be in question, pointing out inconsistencies and the absence of immediate contact with law enforcement as areas of doubt.
However, Assistant Randolph County Prosecutor Leckta Poling refuted the defense’s claims as merely speculative. Despite acknowledging that Stanton might have withheld information, Magistrate Shepler emphasized the focus of the hearing was on Shipman’s alleged actions, not Stanton’s potential undisclosed activities.
Upon concluding the hearing, Shepler found sufficient cause to believe Shipman was indeed responsible for operating the ATV during the incident. This decision advances the case to a grand jury, moving Shipman one step closer to a possible trial.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding community safety and the consequences of personal disputes escalating to violence. As this case progresses, it undoubtedly remains a focal point of attention for the residents of Valley Head and the broader Randolph County community.
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