On February 9, 2026, Sgt. Ward responded to a reported overdose death at Summers Landing Apartments in Hilldale, Summers County, West Virginia.
During the investigation, evidence was obtained indicating that Leadeana Cales failed to render aid to Shawn Richmond while he was suffering from a drug overdose.
On June 1, 2026, Sgt. Ward received the autopsy report from the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office. The report determined that Mr. Richmond’s cause of death was a drug overdose.
Based on the findings of the investigation and the autopsy report, Sgt. Ward obtained an arrest warrant for Ms. Cales. She was arrested later that same day and is currently being held at Southern Regional Jail pending her preliminary hearing.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
