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A West Virginia man is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting his brother at point-blank range and then recruiting an accomplice to drag his injured sibling back inside their home for a second attempt. The incident has led to accusations of attempted first-degree murder.
The accused, 37-year-old Derek Arbogast, and his alleged accomplice, 62-year-old Larry Talkington, are at the center of this dramatic incident involving Derek’s brother, 31-year-old Brett Arbogast. According to a statement from the West Virginia State Police, the shooting took place on February 12th, and the details were shared with Oxygen.
Police reports indicate that Derek used a .22 caliber revolver to shoot Brett multiple times. In a harrowing attempt to escape, Brett was reportedly pulled back into the house by Talkington, who allegedly restrained him, allowing Derek to shoot Brett again, according to law enforcement accounts.
The situation unfolded at a residence in Montrose, Randolph County, prompting state troopers to respond to a shooting call at approximately 9:16 p.m. on the night in question.
As Trooper H.J. Bonetti approached the scene, he reportedly encountered Derek walking along the road, his clothing stained with blood. Derek is said to have surrendered peacefully, raising his hands and kneeling, expressing a desire to end the ordeal, as noted in a criminal complaint referenced by The Inter-Mountain.
Brett later told police that he had been standing near a wood stove at the home when Derek shot him “point blank in the head,” per the complaint.
That’s when he tried to flee and Talkington allegedly dragged him back into the home, where Derek shot him two more times, authorities said.
While being interviewed by investigators, Derek allegedly asked, “Is he okay?” per the complaint.
When First Sergeant J.R. Wince responded, “Who, Brett? No, you shot him five times,” Derek allegedly replied “I thought one (shot) would do it. I know it was a .22, but being that close I thought one (shot) would do it.”
Brett was flown to the Ruby Memorial Hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.
West Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. J.L. Mitchell told Oxygen that the 31-year-old survived the shooting and was recently released from the hospital.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
It’s unclear whether either has retained an attorney or has entered a plea to the charges against them.