|
Updated: 6:31 PM May 25, 2010
NEW INFO: Man Killed After Explosive Device Detonated Outside Club; Name Released
He was out to pipe bomb the bar and the people inside. That’s what Cabell County Sheriff Tom McComas and eyewitnesses say about whom they described as a troubled man who blew himself up early Saturday morning.
Posted: 10:52 PM May 24, 2010Reporter: WSAZ News Staff Email Address: news@wsaz.com |
|
UPDATE 5/24/10 @ 11 p.m.
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- He was out to pipe bomb the bar and the people inside.
That’s what Cabell County Sheriff Tom McComas and eyewitnesses say about whom they described as a troubled man who blew himself up early Saturday morning.
The fatal bomb blast shook up a neighborhood in more ways than one.

We now have an identity, more on a motive and some startling home video -- video of the state police bomb squad searching the bomber's body for more explosives. And there were more bombs.
McComas says disabled veteran Mark Jeffrey was out to do some damage at Cactus Joe's along U.S. Route 60. One neighbor says a burned and bleeding Jeffrey told him his whole story right after the blast and just before he died.
Tabby Phillips shot video from her apartment across the road of a bomb squad member searching Jeffrey's half naked body. Earlier she says she actually heard Jeffrey screaming for help.
Fearing retaliation, one neighbor did not want to be identified but says following the explosion just after 2 a.m. Saturday, he found a just blown up and still smoldering Jeffrey behind Cactus Joe’s bar. He thought the burned and bleeding man was a victim, until they talked.
"I said, 'I can help. What happened?' " the witness said. "He said, 'I brought a bomb to throw in the back door and I blew up.' I said, 'You brought a bomb?' He said, 'Yes.' I said, 'Is that another bomb?'
The witness says Jeffrey replied that it was, but wasn't sure if it would explode.
McComas says his investigation shows Jeffrey brought a number of pipe bombs to the bar -- one left by the door, as well as one found and removed from his SUV. McComas says that Jeffrey acted alone and with a purpose -- going to the bar intent on doing damage to the building if not the people inside.
The sheriff says Cactus Joe’s employees -- aware that Jeffrey was out to cause some kind of problem -- likely saved 20 to 25 bar patrons by locking the back door.
Jeffrey was arrested about a month and a half ago near Cactus Joe's on assault and weapons charges. Court records show Jeffrey threatened a man with a large knife and said, "Keep your nose out of it or you won't be around anymore."
The bar owner and employees say Jeffrey was stalking an ex-wife who frequented Cactus Joe's. They say he was blaming the bar for his troubles and wanted revenge. Neighbors three blocks away say the pipe bomb blast shook their homes.
UPDATE 5/24/10 @ 1:25 p.m.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The Cabell County Sheriff has released more information about the bomb detonation outside of Cactus Joe's’ early Saturday morning.
Sheriff Tom McComas says Mark Jeffrey, 46, of Barboursville was killed when the pipe bomb he was carrying detonated.
This happened around 2:30 Saturday morning.
McComas says members of the W.Va. State Police found two additional pipe bombs when they search the area. One was next to Jeffrey and another in his SUV.
The Sheriff says at this point in the investigation, it appears Jeffrey acted alone.
McComas says that on April 5, deputies charged Jeffrey with brandishing, assault, and carrying a concealed and dangerous weapon. Then, on May 4, a sheriff’s deputy stopped Mr. Jeffrey's vehicle for a traffic violation. He was cited for expired registration and no insurance.
UPDATE: 5/22/10 @4:12 p.m.
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A troubled stalker, on an explosive mission.
That's how the co-owner of Cactus Joe's Bar describes the person who detonated an explosive device outside of her establishment early Saturday morning; killing himself, but clearly had the intentions of killing others.
Co-owner Kathy McComas says that the 45-year-old man responsible was banned from her bar, because he came there to stalk his ex-wife.
The explosion, which happened around 3a.m., shut down Route 60, and put the lives of dozens of families at risk. Homes in the area of the bar were also evacuated.
Co-owner Kathy McComas said the man banned from the bar, was there wearing a disguise, and had a bomb in his pocket.
Investigators say the death toll could have been much higher. They discovered several more live suspicious devices outside the bar.
The name of the man has not been released.
UPDATE: 5/22/10 @ 3:04 p.m. -- Route 60 is back open in the area near Cactus Joe's Bar in Barboursville.
It was closed for several hours after an explosive device went off outside the club Saturday morning.
Sheriff' Tom McComas says one person died as a result of that explosion.
UPDATE: 5/22/10 @ 9:50 a.m.
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Dispatchers say Route 60 is expected to reopen by 10:30 Saturday morning.
Sheriff Tom McComas is expected to release more information on the investigation later on Saturday.
UPDATE: 5/22/10 @ 6:45 a.m.
BARBOURSVILLE, W. Va (WSAZ) -- Sheriff Tom McComas says one person is dead after an explosive device detonated outside a club in Barboursville.
The Sheriff says there are no other injuries.
McComas says the incident happened in an area behind Cactus Joe's Bar.
The bomb squad continues to sweep the area for additional devices.
Route 60 remains closed from Alternate Route 10 to Farmdale Road.
A number of homes were also evacuated.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for updated information.
UPDATE 5/22/10 @ 5:15 a.m.
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A member of the Barboursville Fire Department says the bomb squad has detonated a second device.
Moments ago, our crew on the scene heard that explosion.
They also report the coroner has been called to the scene.
The bomb squad is now sweeping the area for additional devices.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for updated information.
UPDATE 5/22/10 @ 4:45 a.m.
BARBOURSVILLE. W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A Cabell County Sheriff's Deputy tells WSAZ.com there was one explosion before police arrived on the scene.
The Deputy says bomb squad members are right now inside Cactus Joe's Bar looking for another explosive device.
This is in the 6000 block of Route 60 near Barboursville.
Still no word if anyone was injured in the first blast and exactly where it happened.
We have a crew at the scene.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.
ORIGINAL STORY 5/22/10 @ 3:15 a.m.
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. – A West Virginia State Police bomb squad has been called to a business along Route 60 near Barboursville.
The incident is taking place in the 6000 block of Route 60.
Route 60 is closed in both directions in the area of where the incident is taking place.
Emergency personnel were called to the scene around 2:30 Saturday morning.
Witnesses say they heard at least one explosion before emergency crews got to the scene.
A person who was in a nearby bar tells WSAZ.com that he also heard an explosion and thought it was a car back firing. He says several minutes later, police evacuated the bar.
Right now, no word on injuries.
We have a crew at the scene.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for updated information.
Latest Comments
I am late to comment on this. However, this man had problems. He should have sought out mental help. But, the medical community and mental health community often blow these people off as wanting attention. Most look and beg for help, however mental health is looked as an evil in our world. He was wrong in his actions without doubt, but could he have been saved and continued a meaningful life if assistance were available.
did you ever stop to thinkhave I taught my child how to act in a bar and drink responsably.. have you ever told them not to drive to call you instead. Every one talks about the clubs these are people who abide by the ABC commision who have trained staff to not over serve . when your 21 year old goes out do you tell them not to have open containers in thier cars , don't sneak alcohol in to a bar . I can honestly say most trouble makers are young kids who go out with fighting on thier mind when they go to these places. INSTEAD OF BLAMING BARS FOR THE PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD PLACE BLAME ON YOUR SELF FOR NOT TEACHING YOUR KIDS HOW TO ACT IN ADULT SURROUNDING'S. I PERSONALLY KNOW THE DOOR MAN OF THIS BAR HE HAS MILITARY TRAINGING AND IF NOT FOR HIS QUICK THINKING THE OUT COME MAY HAVE BEEN WORSE. HE ALLWAYS TRY TO REASON WITH YOUNG ADULTS. so talk to your young adults befor they go out
I am ashammed to put a post out but in my heart i mustThis man you say was my husbands cousin we were at his wedding.His name was Mark. He also has a FAMILY, CHILD ,FRIENDS, who are trying to greve. I read all the coments the FAMILY did try to help Mark as god as my witness all families have some sort of matter that no one can fix. Strangers all over knew Mark died before his family that is a travisty in it self none less what Mark had done. Be mindful PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY AS WE PRAY FOR YOURS.Mark was a good man in his lifetime not all of mark was bad. Please try to remember this for gods sake. Mark died. The lord was with everyone at that moment."Who are we to judge all sins are equal." I'M sure Mark has been forgiven. As people we programed by the media to be afraid and aware of everything but we go on with our daily lives. Please this was a terriable thing but dose anyone out their have a heart. I am sorry for those of you who we terrified and inconvienced. In may 2010 my Dad died.
|
|
|
Popular Searches Powered by Local.com |
- UPDATE: Walmart Parking Lot Armed Robbery Shows Disturbing Crime Trend
- Hackers Post W.Va. Police Officers' Personal Info
- Agriculture Flood Disaster Declared in Jackson County, W.Va.
- Convicted Sex Offender Wanted
- IRS Warns to Expect Some Refund Delays
- Three Aging W.Va. Power Plants Closing
- UPDATE: Man Dies in Early Morning Fire in McArthur, Ohio
- UPDATE: Mother Awaiting Sentence Faces More Trouble
- Lincoln County Pair Charged with Taking Kids on Drunken Ride
- Portsmouth Man Arrested on Drug Charges
- UPDATE: Renewed Effort in Search for Missing 3-Year-Old Girl
429 Comments - UPDATE: New Chief Deputy in Mason County Releases Department Mission Statement
148 Comments - UPDATE: Woman Fires Attorney in Sniper Digging Case Lawsuit
127 Comments - UPDATE: Mother Awaiting Sentence Faces More Trouble
60 Comments - UPDATE: Some Questions Remain Unanswered in Deadly CO Leak
47 Comments - NEW INFO: South Point Man Sentenced in Marijuana Conspiracy
40 Comments
- Gingrich returning to home turf after drubbing
- Romney vows to get more aggressive
- Avlon: Why has GOP turnout dropped?
- Wash. state OKs same-sex marriage
- UF suspends frat for 'serious' hazing
- N.Y. school aide accused of child porn
- Drillers reach long-buried Antarctic lake
- Mixing porn and politics in India?
- Teen gets life in death of neighbor, 9
- Gay man beaten in video wants justice
- Washington state legislature votes to approve same-sex marriage
- School will continue using Fighting Sioux nickname
- Los Angeles authorities find 200 more photos in teacher case
- Loss of innocence befalls Los Angeles families at Miramonte School
- Funeral for Powell boys on Saturday
- University of Florida suspends fraternity for 'physical hazing incident'
- Victim in Atlanta video beating to speak out
- Vending machine dispenses emergency contraception
- January the 4th-warmest in more than a century
- Sound recordings amend history
- Mixing porn and politics?
- U.S.-Egypt relations tested in latest crisis
- 'No negotiations' on Falklands, UK vows
- Russia, China battle to curb U.N. power
- Steinem and Wolfe: Can we end rape as war tool?
- Ex-Maldives president wants successor to resign
- Safety checks ordered for all Airbus A380 airplanes
- Egypt's American soccer coach
- The boom of Turkey's art market
- Japan's elderly gamers
- Band camp, other clubs suspended
- Champion remembered at event
- More members accused of hazing
- Words matter in Penn State case
- Out-of-county jury for Sandusky?
- Sandusky wants to see grandkids
- 4th accuser drops abuse allegations
- Accuser pleads guilty to child sex
- Attorney: Victims to sue university
- Miss. high court considers pardons
- All eyes on Tiger at Pebble Beach
- Relaxed Woods weighs in against belly-putters
- Ranking the NFL announcer teams from best to worst
- Luke Winn: By The Numbers: Breaking down No. 2 Syracuse's zone efficiency
- No. 10 Duke, No. 5 Carolina renew rivalry
- Syracuse outlasts No. 12 Georgetown in overtime
- Memphis joining Big East in 2013
- Lin dazzles again as Knicks earn 3rd straight win
- Withey, No. 7 Kansas flatten Baylor with 32-4 run
- Slive says discussion of BCS changes 'premature'
| SOMC
Very good things are happening here. Click here to learn more |
|
![]() |
Click here for school closings and delays |
|
Watch the Lottery Live Monday - Saturday @ 6:59pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3. Need to check your numbers? Click here. |
|
![]() |
Watch the Ohio Lottery Drawings weeknights @ 7:29pm and Cash Explosion Saturday @ 7:30pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3. |
![]() |
Click here to donate and help WSAZ help children at risk in our region. Thank you. |
![]() |
Click here to see how our partners are making Moms and women's lives easier. |







