The New Martinsville City Council recently voted unanimously to terminate the employment of both a city police officer and dispatcher in connection with a domestic call that became an alleged murder-suicide.

City officials did not name the officer and dispatcher fired. Earlier this week, New Martinsville Mayor Keith Nelsen released a public statement confirming the personnel moves.

“City Council conducted an emergency meeting this morning, including an executive session regarding an investigation of crime and the internal records and notations of law enforcement agencies which are maintained for internal use in matters relating to law enforcement,” Nelsen’s statement said. “Following the executive session, based upon the recommendation of Capt. (Don) Larsen, council voted unanimously to terminate a dispatcher. That employment decision has been conveyed to the employee in question.

“Additionally, Capt. Larsen has recommended the termination of a New Martinsville Police Department officer, and council has voted unanimously in favor of that recommendation. Because West Virginia law and police civil service rules afford due process rights to the affected officer, no further comment regarding these personnel issues will be made at this time.”

The city announced in January that an internal investigation was underway regarding a city employee, but did not divulge the employee’s name or department. The police department investigated an incident in January where Robert Dennis and wife Jasmine Dennis died as the result of an altercation.

The department’s dispatch received a call to conduct a welfare check and, while officers were on their way, dispatch received a second call claiming Robert Dennis was allegedly harming Jasmine Dennis. When police arrived at the house, they found the two lying on the floor. The two were taken to WVU Medicine Wetzel County Hospital. Robert Dennis was declared dead at the home, while Jasmine Dennis was still alive when found, but died at the hospital.

According to New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil, the incident was suspected to be a murder/suicide.

Barry Dennis and Angel Dennis, children of Robert and Jasmine Dennis, attended the last New Martinsville Council meeting. Barry Dennis told council members his parents’ death could have been prevented had a New Martinsville police officer performed his duty and not dismissed the case when his mother was reaching out for help. He stated she had bruises on her face when the officer responded to her call for help the first time and he did nothing.

Angel Dennis then spoke, asking the council how they would feel if they had to witness their parents being taken out of a house on gurneys when something could have been done if the officer would have done his duty. She said it’s very heartbreaking.

Nelsen apologized to the couple.

“We are sorry it took so long, but on the recommendation from Captain Don Larsen and after consulting with our attorneys, the officer and dispatcher will be terminated. I know that’s not going to help your parents now, but hopefully it eases a little bit of your suffering.”