BECKLEY W.Va. (WVDN) – Deputy Chief David S. Allard with the Beckley Police Department released the following information regarding the fight that broke out at the Woodrow Wilson High School graduation:
“The Beckley Police Department would like to update the public regarding the fight that occurred following the Woodrow Wilson High School Graduation on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center. The results of the investigation determined that this incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between several of the individuals involved. A firearm was recovered from one of the individuals at the time of the incident, however, the firearm was never brandished during the altercation. Possession of a firearm during a school sponsored event is illegal regardless of where the event occurs.”
“Today, June 5, 2025, felony and misdemeanor warrants were issued by Magistrate Timothy P. Deems for the following individuals:”
• Jalen Marquis Cook (19) – Charged with: Felony Possession of a deadly weapon on premises of a school-sponsored function
• Tayvon Anthony Morris (21) – Charged with: Battery
• Stephon Tyreese Yancy (18) – Charged with: Battery
• Tommy Lee Payton III (18) – Charged with: Battery
• Tytus Ira Mason (21) – Charged with: Battery
• Ty’Lai Khalis Kimble (21) – Charged with: Battery
• Zachary Lee Pennington (18) – Charged with: Battery
• Brandon Jerrell Burks Jr. (18) – Charged with: Battery
• Latrael Decors Hairston (19) – Charged with: Battery
• Madix Caiden Preast (18) – Charged with: Battery
** All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. **
“Chief Bailey would like to commend WWHS School Resource Officer, Lt. Wall on his efforts during this investigation.”
“The Beckley Police Department would ask that all subjects listed above turn themselves in at the Beckley Police Department. If a member of the public has information on the whereabouts of any of the wanted subjects, contact the Beckley Police Department at 304-256-1720 or Crime Stoppers of West Virginia via their free P3 Tips mobile application.”–
