Man charged in sister’s brutal beating dies

JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A man who was arrested last week in connection with an attack that left his sister in a two-year coma has died, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Daniel Palmer was facing charges of attempted murder and malicious wounding following an incident in June of 2020 near Cottageville.

Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger said his death comes as a surprise. He said when they arrested him he wasn’t sick and didn’t sustain any injuries.

“He was obviously medically cleared for incarceration at South Central Regional Jail,” Mellinger said. “As my understanding, while he was incarcerated his health took a rapid decline.”

Mellinger said Palmer was at the jail for five days before being taken to Charleston Area Medical Center.

Mellinger said he died Thursday night at the hospital from multiple health issues.

He’s unsure if there will be an autopsy.

Officials from the jail provided the following statement:

“Inmate Daniel James Palmer III was booked into the South Central Regional Jail on July 15th, 2022, after being charged with the attempted murder and malicious wounding of his sister. The Jackson County West Virginia Sheriff’s Department reported that the victim disclosed the crimes to law enforcement officials after awakening from a two-year long coma, induced by the injuries Inmate Palmer allegedly inflicted. Inmate Palmer was uncooperative while in custody and during booking procedures at the jail. On Wednesday, July 20th, 2022, Inmate Palmer was transported to CAMC General Hospital after an evaluation by jail medical staff. On Thursday, July 21st, 2022, Inmate Palmer was pronounced dead.”

Palmer’s sister, Wanda, was discovered by lawn care workers at her home along Flatwoods Road, suffering from severe head injuries.

On July 15, 2022, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported that Wanda had awoken from a two-year coma.

Woman left in coma after attack wakes up 2 years later; brother charged

This is a developing story.

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