KANAWHA COUNTY, WV – The tight-knit community of Miami, a small rural town in eastern Kanawha County, is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025. Authorities report that a domestic dispute between father and son led to a fatal shooting, with both Charles Moles, Sr. and his son, Charles “Lil Charlie” Moles Jr., losing their lives in what authorities are now investigating as a murder-suicide.

The Heartbreaking Discovery

The incident began at approximately 1:22 a.m. on Geneva Lane when Amy Moles, the wife of Charles Moles Sr. and mother of Charles Moles Jr., called 911 in distress. Amy reported that her son was lying unresponsive on the front porch of their home, with a gunshot wound. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office found both men deceased outside the family residence.

Sgt. Josh Lester of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as “tragic,” and noted that preliminary findings indicated that the elder Moles shot and killed his son before turning the gun on himself. Investigators are working tirelessly to piece together the sequence of events that led to such a senseless tragedy.

“It appears the two had been drinking,” said Sgt. Lester. “Emotions were obviously running high over whatever they were arguing about. I don’t know what was happening between them, but it’s very unfortunate what it came to.”

A Family Shattered

The devastating aftermath of the shooting is not only felt by the immediate family but also by the community at large. Inside the home were Amy Moles, her daughter-in-law Tasha, and Lil Charlie’s children. This family, which once thrived on the shared joys of everyday life, now faces the unimaginable loss of both a husband and father. The home, which was once filled with laughter, love, and family gatherings, is now burdened by sorrow.

The emotional toll of this incident cannot be understated. Amy Moles, who has lost both her husband and son in the same night, is left to cope with a grief that no parent should ever experience. The emotional burden on her daughter-in-law and the children of Lil Charlie is just as overwhelming, as they now face a life without the man who was their father and grandfather.

A Community in Shock

Friends and neighbors in Miami, as well as the surrounding areas, are deeply shocked by the events that unfolded that fateful night. Charles Moles Sr. was a known figure in the community, a man with a strong presence who was respected by those around him. His son, Lil Charlie, was also a familiar face — a young father who had faced many struggles in life but was fiercely dedicated to his family. The news of their deaths has left the community in a state of disbelief, as they try to make sense of the senseless act of violence that shattered their lives.

What makes this tragedy particularly heart-wrenching is not just the violence of the event, but the closeness of the people involved. Both Charles Moles Sr. and his son, Lil Charlie, had built their lives around their families, and to have their lives cut short in such an abrupt and tragic manner has left many searching for answers.

The Heart of the Matter: Unchecked Emotions

The shooting reportedly began with an argument between father and son — a disagreement that seems to have escalated dramatically. While it is not yet clear what triggered the argument, investigators are piecing together information that suggests alcohol and heightened emotions played a significant role in the tragic events that unfolded. A disagreement between two family members, fueled by personal tensions and the effects of alcohol, led to an unthinkable loss.

In moments like this, it’s easy to focus on the violence of the act, but this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be in any household when personal struggles, pride, or pain go unchecked. There is no question that the loss of life — in this case, two lives — will forever affect not only the immediate family but the broader community, and that pain may never fully heal.

A Community Comes Together

In the wake of the tragedy, Miami and the surrounding area have come together to support the Moles family. Local residents, family members, and friends are rallying to provide emotional and financial support to Amy Moles, Tasha, and Lil Charlie’s children. As the community struggles with its grief, many are finding solace in one another, sharing stories of the lives of Charles Moles Sr. and his son.

While no one can undo the pain of the loss, the support and unity shown by the community serve as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Funeral services and memorials are being planned, and those who knew the Moles family are coming together to honor the memory of the father and son who meant so much to them.

Authorities Investigate Further

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the incident, attempting to gather as much information as possible to understand how the tragedy unfolded. Investigators are speaking with witnesses, collecting evidence, and working with forensics teams to clarify the events leading up to the fatal shooting.

The community has been urged to remain patient as the investigation continues, and authorities have promised to release more details as they become available. While much remains unknown at this time, law enforcement is committed to ensuring that justice is served.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness

This tragic incident is also a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health support and substance abuse prevention. While the exact circumstances behind the shooting are still being investigated, it’s clear that unchecked emotions, combined with substance abuse, can lead to devastating consequences.

In the aftermath of this event, the need for mental health resources in communities across the nation has never been clearer. Authorities encourage individuals and families struggling with emotional distress or substance abuse to seek professional help before situations escalate to tragic ends.

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress or substance abuse, help is available. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 confidential support.

Conclusion: A Life Cut Short

The loss of Charles Moles Sr. and Charles “Lil Charlie” Moles Jr. in such tragic circumstances has left a community in mourning. This double loss is felt not only by their immediate family but also by everyone who knew them. The pain of their absence is deep, and the shock of such a violent and preventable tragedy weighs heavily on those left behind.

As the investigation continues, the Moles family and their community are left to pick up the pieces, forever remembering the lives of two men who meant so much to so many. Through the pain, the community stands strong, finding ways to honor the memory of Charles and Lil Charlie, and carrying their legacies forward in a world that will never be the same without them.

The Moles family asks that their privacy be respected during this difficult time as they mourn their loved ones. In memory of Charles Moles Sr. and Charles “Lil Charlie” Moles Jr., may those who loved them find the strength and support they need in the days ahead.