W.Va. man accused of fatally stabbing stepfather after he came in 'running his mouth'

ELKINS, W.Va. (TCD) -- A 56-year-old man was arrested earlier this month after allegedly stabbing his stepfather to death while the victim was arguing with the suspect’s mother.

According to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday, March 5, deputies and officers from the Elkins Police Department and West Virginia State Police responded to Diamond Street to a report of a stabbing.

At the scene, authorities reportedly found Donald Kelly on the back porch suffering from a knife stab wound near his chest. He was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the Sheriff’s Office says. The knife believed to be used to commit the crime was reportedly recovered from the kitchen sink.

The victim’s stepson, Kenneth Gilliam, admitted that he stabbed Kelly, the Sheriff’s Office says. He allegedly called 911 and said his stepfather was arguing with his mother, and Gilliam said, "if somebody don’t come up here and get him, I’m about to kill him." He added, "Never mind. You can’t do anything. I will," and then reportedly hung up.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Randolph County 911 called back and Gilliam’s mother said there was just a little argument and everything was fine. However, about eight minutes later, the Sheriff’s Office says Gilliam called back and said he had stabbed his stepfather in the chest. Gilliam reportedly told authorities that he was cutting an onion and making a sandwich and Kelly entered, "running his mouth."

Gilliam was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, the Sheriff’s Office says.

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