Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

West Virginia Police Say Man Killed While Attacking Woman was Suspected Serial Killer

Police believe Neal Falls, 45, of Springfield, Oregon, could be connected to other crimes around the country. They said Monday the items in Falls’ car, among other things, might connect him to several deaths in Southern Ohio.

July 26, 2015
West Virginia Police Say Man Killed While Attacking Woman was Suspected Serial Killer

Suspected serial killer Neal Falls, 45, of Oregon was killed with his own gun when he attacked a woman. (Photo: Charleston PD)

2 min to read



Police on Wednesday identified the man who was shot dead Saturday July 18 by a Charleston, West Virginia, woman after he attacked her, and released photos of guns, knives and other weapons and items from his vehicle.

Police believe Neal Falls, 45, of Springfield, Oregon, could be connected to other crimes around the country. They said Monday the items in Falls’ car, among other things, might connect him to several deaths in Southern Ohio. Several axes, a shovel, a pistol, knives, a machete, bleach, a pair of boots, handcuffs, and a bulletproof vest were among items in the car, according to police

Ad Loading...


.

“We are releasing Mr. Falls’ name and photograph, as well as details about the incident. Our hope in doing so is that if there are any other victims of Mr. Falls between here and Oregon that the information may be valuable to law enforcement,” Lt. Steve Cooper, the Charleston Police Department’s chief of detectives, told the Gazette Mail.

Falls was killed Saturday by a woman he met on Backpage.com, a site often used to find escorts, after he attacked her at a house on Charleston’s West Side, according to police. The woman reportedly used Falls’ gun to kill him after he beat and choked her.

Some of the items found in the car of suspected serial killer Neal Falls.


In an interview exclusive to Huffington Post crime reporter David Lohr, a Charleston police lieutenant says Falls could be connected to unsolved murders in the Las Vegas area, including those of three women who were found dismembered, KGW TV reports.

"We received information that caused a conversation to take place between us and law enforcement in Henderson, Nevada," Lt. Steve Cooper told Lore.

Cooper did not elaborate as the investigation is ongoing.

But Lore learned that Falls lived in the Henderson area at about the time an escort there was murdered. And police have long believed that her death was connected to the deaths of two other escorts in Las Vegas and the disappearance of another.

More Patrol

Black background with image of police car light bar, logo for POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips, and headline What are the latest law enforcement boots from Garmont Tactical?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 25, 2026

Garmont Tactical’s LE Boot Lineup

In this video, we get a look at the latest law enforcement boots from Garmont Tactical, both for men and women. Kyle Ferdyn, sales manager, showcases four of the latest boots.

Read More →
Person in protective CMRN suit and breathing gear.
PatrolFebruary 18, 2026

Avon Protection Launches EXOSKIN-S2 High-Performance CBRN Protective Suit

With the commercial availability of Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments.

Read More →
Sky background with logos for Versatern and Aloft
PatrolFebruary 18, 2026

Versaterm Acquires Aloft to Unlock a New Era of Drones for Public Safety

Versaterm has acquired Aloft, an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier (USS) that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Clooudy sky background with a lot of blue, logo for DroneSense, and dates and location of an upcoming event.
PatrolFebruary 11, 2026

Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations

The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.

Read More →
Thumnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips featuring a black background with police car lights and headline What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamFebruary 11, 2026

What Makes a Good LE Boot?

Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.

Read More →
Red fabric background with blue and white Folds of Honor logo.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders

The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Closeup of hands reaching to pick up a ballistic helmet and a Team Wendy logo in a white box top center in the image.
PatrolFebruary 4, 2026

Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals

With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.

Read More →
backgroudn image of desert with inset 5.11 logo and images of pant and boot.
PatrolJanuary 28, 2026

5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show

5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.

Read More →
Three tactical backpacks set against a desert background with an inset logo for 5.11.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show

5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue background with Streamlight logo at top and inset images of one handgun light, two rifle lights, and one handheld light.
PatrolJanuary 21, 2026

Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show

Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.

Read More →