MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – On Thursday, detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department arrested Rick Allen Cordes, 49, of Morgantown for first-degree murder in connection with the shooting on Fallen Water Lane on Friday, April 19.
Detectives said the victim, Jennifer Hribar, 39, of Morgantown, died of an apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head.
The investigation determined that Cordes and Hribar went to two establishments in the Cheat Lake area on the night of the shooting. Surveillance footage at each location shows the two were involved in a verbal disagreement that got the attention of the staff at both locations. Staff members told detectives they had staff members monitor Cordes because they feared the verbal altercation could become physical.
Hribar was found at the scene with a gunshot wound to the back of the head, and detectives recovered a pistol they believed to have been used in the shooting. Cordes told detectives he had contact with the grip of the pistol, and the trigger could have been pulled by both he and Hribar.
Detectives noted that during initial conversations with MECCA 911 dispatchers, first responders, and detectives, the description of events Cordes provided changed several times.
Magistrate Nabors has arrested Cordes, and no bond has been set.
Detectives said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Monongalia Sheriff’s Department at 304-291-7260.