Police have arrested a man for murder in Harrison County that law enforcement believe may have taken place early Sunday morning. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, 19-year-old Jonas Copass has been arrested and charged with murder.

 

The alleged incident took place in Lost Creek. The time of death was officially listed at 12:17 p.m. at United Hospital Center, said Detective Z. Mealey of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Mealey is heading up the investigation.

Chief Deputy Jeff McAtee said his department was contacted by staff from United Hospital Center where they had treated the victim. It is required by law that medical facilities contact law enforcement agencies when treating victims of stabbings, shootings and other things that could be criminal in nature.

 

“After the incident occurred, the victim was taken to UHC via private vehicle where he passed away,” said McAtee. “From that point, UHC contacted us and our detectives started investigating the case in earnest.”

 

Mealey said they were able to identify the suspect pretty quickly. And McAtee said there was a good reason for it.

 

“They’re brothers,” said McAtee. “It appears to stem from a verbal altercation that escalated.”

 

Copass’ brother’s name was Theodore "Teddy" Lee Harper. The weapon used in the murder is allegedly a sword.

 

Copass is currently being held in the North Central Regional Jail. Although charged with murder, McAtee said a grand jury will decide the degree of murder to which the suspect will be charged.