Randolph County Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Shooting

A Randolph County man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting another man multiple times at a residence in Montrose Thursday night, according to the West Virginia State Police. A second man has been charged with aiding in the alleged attack.

Derek Justin Arbogast, 36, was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder, and is being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $150,000 cash-only bond, set by Randolph County Magistrate Michael Dyer. Police allege Arbogast shot Brett Lee Arbogast multiple times during a confrontation at a home on Mule Hollow Road.

Troopers responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:15 p.m. On February 12, alongside the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Elkins City Police Department, according to a criminal complaint filed by Trooper H.J. Bonetti. As officers were en route, Bonetti encountered a man walking along the roadway who identified himself as Derek Arbogast. The complaint states Arbogast allegedly told the trooper he “just wanted everything to be over with.” Bonetti observed blood on Arbogast’s face and arms during the arrest.

Brett Lee Arbogast told police that Derek Arbogast entered a room where he was standing near a wood stove and immediately presented a firearm, before shooting him “point blank in the head.” A physical altercation followed, during which Derek Arbogast allegedly fired two additional shots.

According to the complaint, Brett Lee Arbogast attempted to leave the residence but was allegedly pulled back inside by Larry Brian Talkington, 63. Talkington then allegedly prevented Brett Lee Arbogast from leaving again. Talkington is charged with being a principal in second-degree attempted murder or an accessory before the fact, and is also being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $150,000 cash-only bond, issued by Dyer.

Once back inside, the alleged victim was reportedly shot two more times at “point blank range” by Derek Arbogast.

During processing at the West Virginia State Police Elkins Detachment, Derek Arbogast allegedly asked First Sergeant J. R. Wince about the victim’s condition, saying, “Is he okay?” Wince responded that Brett Lee Arbogast had been shot five times. Arbogast then allegedly stated, “I thought one (shot) would do it. I grasp it was .22, but being that close I thought one (shot) would do it.”