| A Doddridge County teenager has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the slayings of three family members.
The teen, identified as Joseph Spencer, was a junior at Doddridge County High School.
The youth allegedly shot and killed his mother Dixie Spencer, a longtime 7th grade science teacher at Ritchie County Middle School, his father Frederick Spencer, a pilot for UPS, and his young sister, a 4th grade student at a Doddridge school.
Two other children, one in college, were away from the home at the time of the incident.
Police responded to a 911 call at 6 p.m. Tuesday to discover the bodies at the family residence off Rt. 18, a short distance from West Union.
"They were a good Christian family, well thought of around in the neighborhood. I just can't believe what would have triggered the young boy to do it," said Sharon Stewart, a neighbor.
Neighbors described Joseph Spencer as "quiet, intelligent and ordinary."
Ritchie school board president, Carolyn Bowie, said students and faculty met Tuesday morning with grief counselors.
"It's going to be a long week of school here in Doddridge County," said Doddridge County Superintendent Rick Coffman
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