On Thursday, February 19, 2026, a fatal double shooting occurred near the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, leaving two men dead and prompting a large-scale investigation by local authorities.
Officers with the Huntington Police Department were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency life-saving efforts, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were later identified as DJ Phillips and A. Phillips, though authorities have not confirmed whether the two men were related. The shooting took place in a residential area adjacent to the university, sending shockwaves through the campus and surrounding community. Police quickly secured the area and began canvassing for witnesses and surveillance footage that might shed light on the events leading up to the violence.
According to preliminary findings, the shooting did not appear to be random. Investigators believe the victims may have known their assailant, though no arrests had been made as of Friday morning. The Huntington Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, and detectives have urged anyone with information to come forward. The department has also increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and students.
Marshall University officials expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families. While the university confirmed that neither of the deceased were enrolled students, the proximity of the shooting to campus has raised concerns about safety. Counseling services have been made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Community members held a candlelight vigil Thursday evening to honor the lives of DJ Phillips and A. Phillips. Friends and family described them as kind-hearted and well-known in the Huntington area. Social media has since been flooded with tributes, photos, and messages of grief, as residents grapple with the sudden loss and the broader implications of gun violence in their city.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain tight-lipped about potential suspects or motives. The Huntington Police Department has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of two lives and calls for justice and peace in the wake of this devastating event.
