A close-knit community in Miami, a small town in eastern Kanawha County, is reeling after an unimaginable tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours Saturday. Authorities say a domestic dispute between a father and son ended in an apparent murder-suicide, claiming the lives of both Charles Moles and his son, Charles “Lil Charlie” Moles Jr.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home on Geneva Lane at approximately 1:22 a.m. after Amy Moles, the wife of Charles Moles Sr. and mother of Moles Jr., phoned 911 in distress. She reported that her son was lying on the front porch, unresponsive, with a gunshot wound.
Deputies arrived to a tragic scene: both men — father and son — were found deceased outside the family home, the result of what investigators believe was a violent and emotional altercation that escalated beyond control.
“Emotions were obviously running high over whatever they were arguing about,” said Sgt. Josh Lester of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “It appears the two had been drinking. I don’t know what was happening between them, but it’s very unfortunate what it came to.”
Preliminary findings suggest that the elder Moles shot and killed his son before turning the gun on himself. The investigation remains active, with forensic teams working through the night to determine the exact sequence of events.
Inside the home were the family members who now must face a devastating new reality: Amy Moles, her daughter-in-law Tasha, and Lil Charlie’s children — all of whom lived at the residence. The house that once echoed with the sounds of family life has now been silenced by heartbreak.
Remembering the Lives Behind the Headlines
What makes this tragedy so deeply painful is not just the violence, but the closeness of the people involved. Friends and neighbors describe Charles Moles Sr. as a man with a strong presence, and his son, Lil Charlie, as a young father who had faced life’s struggles but loved his family fiercely. Both men were known in their community, and their sudden deaths have left many stunned and sorrowful.
There are no easy answers in moments like this. A night that began with a disagreement — likely worsened by alcohol and heightened emotions — ended in irreversible loss. It is a reminder of how fragile peace within a household can be when pain, pride, or pressure go unchecked.
A Community in Mourning
Now, two lives are lost, and a family is left shattered. A mother has lost both her husband and her son. A wife is without her partner. Children are left without their father and grandfather. And a town grieves with them.
Authorities continue their investigation, hoping to piece together more details that may bring clarity, if not comfort, to a family and community looking for meaning in the midst of sorrow.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, emotional distress, or substance abuse, help is available. Call or text the **Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7, confidential support.
