Man From Nitro Dies in Cross Lanes Stabbing
Man From Nitro Dies in Cross Lanes Stabbing Save Email Print
Posted: 7:23 AM Oct 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:39 AM Oct 8, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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CROSS LANES, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Detectives say one person has died following a stabbing in Cross Lanes early Tuesday morning.

The Kanawha County Sheriff's Department says it happened during an altercation in a basement apartment at 5155 Washington Street West at around 1:30 a.m.

Paramedics found 22-year-old William Russell Barr of Nitro outside the apartment building. He was taken to Thomas Memorial Hospital where he died.

Deputies say Barr forced his way into the apartment. They say he was stabbed in the neck after getting into a scuffle over a firearm with the person living in the apartment. Investigators believe that person was an acquaintance of Barr.

Detectives say no charges have been filed at this time.

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Posted by: cousin on Oct 28, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Thank you Bailey. I am glad you realize what other people's stupidity prevents them from.
Posted by: bailey on Oct 21, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Wow I am so amazed by the comments on here. I knew Russell from Upward Bound. He and I hung out in the same group and graduated the same year. I was with russell every summer for 3 months, and 2 weekends a month out of the 4 years of UB I participated in and though we did get in to trouble for the petty things that teenagers do, never once did i encounter russell flying off the handle. Now I dont know what happened or how it happened but i do know this much, no matter what the situation may have been, it wasnt serious enough for someones life to be lost in the manner that it was. To everyone involved in anyway, especially Russ's family, you are in my earnest prayers. I want all to know that God is not pleased by these actions and whomever is responsible will be exposed. The judicial system may allow this to go unpunished but God knows all and sees all and vengence is His! So dont think for one moment that you got away because no one witnessed it, God did and you still must face Him.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 11, 2008 at 05:33 PM
As far as calling 911, the girl at the apt tried to get her neighbors to call , but all they were worried about was watching a fight! She had to flag down a passing car to call them. I feel for all of them, not only the victim but the tenants as well.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 11, 2008 at 05:29 PM
The "killer" is very upset as to what happened. Does anyone know the whole story? people here on this board "know" russ. But do they "know" everything that happened? No! I dont either, but I do know one of the people in the apt and they are all upset and saddened by what happened. Im sorry, but if it ws me, I would hae protected me and my Significant Other. Yeah something is fishy, and I believe its not on the suspects side either. And yes, the door was kicked in!
Posted by: sheila on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:51 PM
i meet russel once at a friends house and he was very well mannered and really nice person.my preys are with his family and friends.
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:29 PM
E: you comments are so ignorant, and you should really think about what you said. It is a terrible tragedy that Russell had to die. There is no doubt that the two involved were both victims. Nobody wanted anybody to die and there is a certain amount of curiosity that lingers, but nobody wanted anybody to die. Everyone should pray for Russell, his family and friends; but also for the homeowner, who was a friend of rus's, and now has a future of uncertainty and has to deal with the decision he made that night. Nobody wanted anybody to pass away, and it will be hard knowing that it could have gone either way
Posted by: Samantha on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Thank you, E. You are so right.
Posted by: E on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I don’t know the real story but the only way to give this young man a justice is a strong witness about what was really happen that morning, otherwise the killer will continue using the words self protection or trespassing because it was happen inside his house. If there was no other people who witness the crime, besides the two of them then the killer is the only one who knew the real truth. There will be a possibility that the killer will do it again using his technique by taking people inside his house and kill them and then telling he/she breaking in his house. Those people who knew the killer be cautious he already shade a blood on his hands, he will not be afraid to do it again! If there will be no justice for this young man, then the killer can walk free around WV and all over the US, but I am sure he will never have peace in his life, his conscience will always knock his head every minute of his life and he will never be proud as a human being and his future family!
Posted by: Sam on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:33 PM
If you people who are so hell bent on slamming Russell only knew what really happened that night, you would understand why you should be slapped in the face for judging someone you know NOTHING about.
Posted by: samantha on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:51 AM
So, Debbie. I bet you hadnt heard that he and Jeff were friends and he had been there all evening...WITH the consent of Jeff. He didnt break it & it wasnt self defense. It was MURDER!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:22 AM
People need to shut up!!! If you knew Russ he didn't do anything wrong he's a teddy bear! R.I.P Russell Barr
Posted by: sheila on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I'm with Debbie - that's not a white trash redneck thing to say - it's a COMMON SENSE thing to say!! When someone commits a crime, there's always a few who go on and on about what a "nice" person they were. Even ax murderers have SOME friends! Wake up. It sounds like maybe something that wasn't so "nice" was going on there. I think it's time people stand up and protect what's theirs and that includes defending your home when someone bursts in when they apparently weren't welcome there!! I am sorry for the families of these two. But usually, if you ask for trouble, you will get it and obviously this one did.
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:09 AM
That apartmet already looked like someone tried to break into it a long time ago it already looked like crap. Russ was way smarter than that to come and try to beat a door down especially when the guys apartment was his friends. The news story makes him look like a bad guy. He's one of the most intelligent people you could ever meet. Russ would give you anything from the shirt off his back all the way to his shoes. He was a great person everyone loved him to death. r.i.p Russell
Posted by: .... on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:51 PM
rip russell...he would never hurt anybody. God be with his family
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Dear Debbie, What a white tash redneck thing to say. Get an education...and some class.
Posted by: Debbie on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:42 PM
If someone tried to break in my door....he will meet my 357 mag....sorry for your loss. But get real,he shouldn't have been there!!!!
Posted by: sara on Oct 8, 2008 at 07:07 PM
HOW DARE our news reporters label this young man a "thief"!!!! This is still an investigation. What if this was one of their children? The only person who knows the whole truth is the man who stabbed Russell, and if he has committed a crime, do you believe he will tell the truth? I have known this young man as a dear friend of my son, and I also had the opportunity to work with him at Speedway. He was mannerly, kind, honest, and had values and morals. There is something terribly wrong with this story. I do not believe Russ would ever rob someone or hurt anybody! I sincerely hope there is futher investigation of the man (still nameless?) who took this young mans life. Can his friends and family say he was a good hearted person like all these coments about Russ? My heart goes out to his mother, father, and sister. May God heal this hole in your life and heart. To all his many friends who are confused and hurting, please hold on to each other. Let's give PEACE a chance. rip
Posted by: Ashley Dawn on Oct 8, 2008 at 05:54 PM
I know Russ & I really dont think he could have just broken into someone's house. He had way more respect than that. He was the nicest and coolest person i knew, im really gonna miss ya Russ! I don't believe any of it. The police need to investigate a hole lot more, cuz it just seems fishy to me an alot of other people too it looks like!(something aint wright about all this). Something had to have happened prior..i mean i dont kno the guy who took Russ's life, but i have heard that they was friends or as the detectives say acquaintance, anyways why aren't they releasing his name?? There is No way Russ's wouldn't put his life in danger like that he had too much going for him like graduateing this May from West Virginia State College University and a loving family & friends who really cared about him! Russell's family is in my prayers. He was a very good person who didn't deserve this.Self-denfense i think not! murder i think YES!
Posted by: Kim on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:31 PM
To Avel at 11:38...seems like you live in "the perfect" world. If you think for one second, a trespasser/violator enters YOUR home and is going to inflect harm to you or your family, and you will just stand there and not protect you and yours, then you get WHATEVER you get!!! Its about time the citizens take action and do WHATEVER they have to do to protect them..maybe someone will think twice BEFORE they enter someones property. I also don't think your giving enough credit to the cops and investigators....this isn't their first ride on the merry-go-round. These guys are smart and they know the signs of self defense. You need to wake up and realize the world is full of people like that...just waiting on you NOT to defend yourself. I hope you think about this and realize the homeowner is right. Make sure that if you are ever in the same situation, you do absolutely nothing so the crook can take and do with you whatever he/she wants!
Posted by: wow on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:04 PM
i was in upward bound with russell, and he was the nicest guy ever. RIP--my thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
Posted by: Avel on Oct 8, 2008 at 11:38 AM
The law in this state should prove that they are still respected by punishing to those who committed heinous crime. To kill is a heinous crime, and not to be just ignored because of a nonsense reason that it was a self protection! Wake up West Virginia! I was living in West for 3 years and I love West Virginia, so protect your citizens by punishing those people who committed heinous crime to let them know that the law is still working and above all and that nobody can escape from the crime he made. I HOPE THAT THE POLICE AND MEDIA WILL COOPERATE AND EXERT A LOT OF EFFORT TO DO FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION AGAINST THIS CRIME. Any person who killed someone can make up story that it was a self protection or something in order to cover up the crime he made and escape the punishment! If the killer of this young man will not be punish then some people will not respect the law anymore and some criminal will do more crime because they thought that the law is weak!
Posted by: mountie on Oct 8, 2008 at 11:02 AM
im telling you...the people that post comments on here that have no idea who russ is, or anyone in an article they read need to either make an unbias statement or make none at all.....HEATHER, whoever you are..you really arent being fair and your not being rational. Myself, as well as everyone else that has posted comments and who KNOWS Russ will be able to tell you that he is not a drug addict. You should be ashamed of yourself also for trying to relay a STORY that you heard...if that all happened, what are you doing up at 1:30 outside of your mom's house watching this and not do something or become an eyewitness? RIP Russ Beezy.
Posted by: Pat on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:58 AM
He looks like a gangsta. Anyway, if someone broke into my house they would await the same fate. People need to learn it isnt ok to break in and commit a crime.
Posted by: Wakeup on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:29 AM
What did you people expect! That Apt. is a known crack house,My son and his wife and 2 young daughters went to that flower shop to order flowers for a funeral and seen first hand at the bunch that sits out there and pipe in mouth, not thinking that everyone even small children are watching them put that crack pipe to their mouth and firing up. Oh! Did I mention that this is all going on right across the street from Cross Lanes Elementary School,at those apt's. Cross Lanes used to be considered an area that was upper class and safer than most other areas nearby, but has become as bad as the Westside and Sissonville.
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:04 AM
for everybody that quickly doubts all signs of self defense...they were friends.. i knew both of them...neither would purposely hurt each other and definitely not with intentions of death..something must have happened prior..it is a sad day.. rest in peace russ
Posted by: Samantha on Oct 8, 2008 at 09:42 AM
First of all..thanks to all who truly knew Russ. I am his 1st cousin and have grown up with Russ. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter...we were together. I know him, and know that those of you who say he got what he deserved know NOTHING. Don't say that until you know the story. FYI..Russ and this "aquaintance" were very close friends, and Russ had been there all evening. Also, stabbing someone in the neck is intent to KILL..he knew what he was doing. The girl..she is just defending her boyfriend. How pathetic. She would put herself at risk to save her murderer boyfriend. So, get your facts straight before you slam the victim. Sad thing is, the people talking crap probably didnt even know him. Am i right? Think how it would feel to lose someone YOU love like this before you overstep your boundaries. Russell was an amazing person and will be missed by those who knew his true character. We love you Russ, and it wont be the same without you.
Posted by: sheila on Oct 8, 2008 at 09:02 AM
ok anonymous (i realize there are a lot of you - but this anonymous posted at 5:37) - where i come from "beating the door down" is the same as "breaking in". if he was wanted there, the occupants would have opened the door so he could walk in - not force his way in. i feel sorry for his family but not him. "good guy"? give me a break - sounds like he may have had anger issues or something else may have been going on.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:39 AM
there must be a reason this guy was "breaking in" this apartment. who was in there and what are they saying ? will that be released ?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Russ couldn't have broken into someone's house. He had more respect than that. He was a nice and cool person. I don't believe any of it. The police need to investigate more. Something had to have happened. No way he would put his life in danger when he had so much going for him and his loving family. Russ's family is in my prayers. He was a good person who didn't deserve this. God Bless you all.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:07 AM
he wasnt breaking in i heard it was something about russ sister was stuck there and he came to help out
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:29 PM
I am friends with Russell's baby sister, and I have been for years! I know he would never break into somebody's house. He is too kind to do this. Nor would he ever harm anybody. This investigation needs to go much father. Don't you think it's a little fishy that he hung out with this boy ALL THE TIME?! Self-denfense .. no! murder? ....YES! We love and miss you Russell and my heart goes out to your family!
Posted by: Heather on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:27 PM
My mother lives EXTREMELY close to where this happened and she said that he broke into the house and the man who lived there tried to defend himself with a gun ,even told the guy to get out and leave first, the guy who broke in kicked the gun out of his hand and this the man grabbed the knife and stabbed him. The gun was kicked out of his hand while he was telling the guy to get out. And to those who say he was a good guy and a college kid- first, the way the economy is some people are turning to drastic measures just to come up with rent, gas, etc...secondly, PLENTLY of college kids are habitual drug addicts and/or alcoholics. I'm not saying that this guys DEFINATELY IS a drug addict, but at that age most parents will be in denial or not see their child enough to know.
Posted by: Katie on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:22 PM
I went to school with Russell and my mother is friends with his father. He wouldn't have broken in to someones home, first off. But the main point is that even if he did force himself in, self defense is using enough power to neutralize the situation and stabbing someone IN THE NECK is using excess force to say the LEAST. Even though I know Russell and he couldn't have been out to hurt anyone, no matter the case the owner of the apartment could have immobilized him in another way. Taking someones life is a CRIME and I will completely lose faith in our justice system if no one pays. RIP Russell, you will be loved and missed. See you up there some day.
Posted by: Lindsey on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I have known Russ since Elementary School and there is no way he would ever break into anyones home! And who is this acquaintance anyways and why aren't they releasing his name? Russ was a very smart, funny guy and would do anything for anyone. The media is wrong for just assuming he busted down the door. I drove past there today and the door looked fine. My heart goes out to all his family & friends. RIP William Russell Barr
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:27 PM
I would first like to say to the people who felt the need to say that Russell "got what he deserved" are heartless, and second put yourself in his mother, father, and little sisters shoes for just one second before you start making such rash comments. I went to middle school and high school with Russell and was also attending West Virginia State College University with him, he was set to graduate this May and was extremely excited about it, I am so heartbroken to see such a young, driven man have is life taken when his future was looking so promising. Russell, you will be missed dearly. His family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Russ would have never done anything to make you believe he was a threat. He was a real nice guy attending college. There needs to be further investigation!
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:27 PM
There are now two families whose lives will never be the same. God bless Russell's mother and the pain that a mother goes through at the loss of her child. Nobody can begin to experience this pain unless they too have had the same loss. God have mercy on all of us.
Posted by: pprfaire on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:22 PM
I don't know who any of the people involved are, but the story makes very little sense. Strange how people feel the need to rush to judgement so they can just shake their heads and move on with their lives. We don't really know what happened. I've heard three or four different stories on different radio stations alone.
Posted by: Kevin on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:09 PM
I am very close to this young mans Father and you can be assured that Russ did not break into someones home, the media will have a lot of explaing to do when the truth comes out. To the Family you are in my thoughts and prayers, may God Bless you and comfort you in this trying time....
Posted by: ANYNYMOUS on Oct 7, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Any of us don’t have any right to take anybody’s life only God has the right, but even God sacrificed his life on the cross to save us! If it is true that this young man forced to enter somebody’s house, then the home owner should call 911 for help and not kill him! I know he have the right to protect himself, but he don’t have the right to kill. He still needs to pay what he did, because it is against the law of God and against the law of human being! If he has a heart and conscience, I am sure he can’t sleep during the night because he will be haunted by his own conscience as a killer! The killer is the only one who knows the real truth, because the soul of a young man can't speak what was really happened the morning! How long the killer can protect himself by not paying the heinous crime he made?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Russ was a kind laid back guy, no way would he had done this. The two guys hung out all the time. Sounds like something fishy to me
Posted by: g on Oct 7, 2008 at 06:19 PM
don,t judge my kids grew up with russell. this is not right
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 05:37 PM
I have known Russ for a while and I do not belive that he would do something like this now maybe ifi the guy did something to him and he would not let him in he may have beat the door down but he would never break into anyones home. You will be dearly missed. R.I.P Russ we love and miss you
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 05:25 PM
the media needs to get it's facts straight...he was so nice, i really don't think he would "break in"....
Posted by: Layla on Oct 7, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I see the comments on here from people who obviously love this young man. I don't know the reason why he was there or if this was self defense. I can only say that we have to be able to protect our homes and the people we love. It's a real shame this man had to lose his life. My prayers are with his family as well as the people in the apartment. It has to be painful to have to take someone's life.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 04:45 PM
If he would have broke into my home the same thing would have happened. I do feel sorry for this guys family, but he did get what he deserved.
Posted by: wendy's of cl on Oct 7, 2008 at 04:19 PM
i heard those two left work together, they hung out all the time so i doubt that sweet kid broke into his apartment. it is still shocking...young people dying should always be. this boy was someone's baby.
Posted by: acquaintance on Oct 7, 2008 at 01:19 PM
You reap what you sow. Sad but true. Hope his younger sibling learns something from all of this and keeps out of trouble.
Posted by: sheila on Oct 7, 2008 at 01:17 PM
did this guy "kick" his way into someone else's home in the night as reported by the media? sad that someone had to die but what is so surprising about this? correct me if i'm wrong but it sounds like self defense to me.
Posted by: Jon on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Russ was a good guy. I cant believe this happened.
Posted by: Jessica on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Russ ull be missed by many we LOVE YOU and will never forget you! God Bless...keep his family in your prayers everyone..thanks
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I hate to say it, but if someone broke into my apt I would have done the same thing! It is sad, but why was he breaking in?
Posted by: Andrea on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I can't believe this happend to Russ. He was such a good guy<3 Russ i love you and i am going to miss you dearly. R.I.P.
Posted by: jeremy on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:17 AM
wondered what was going on this morning when I got to the stop light in C.L. Sad news to hear.
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