State police: Wayne murder victim told deputy he didn’t know attackers

A Mingo County man walked in at the wrong time and today he’s dead. State Police say Jeffery “Bub” Crum went to visit the home of a friend, Larry Blackburn Saturday night.  But he walked in and found Blackburn being tied up by two men in the middle of a home invasion.

“Once inside they restrained the homeowner Larry Blackburn,” said State Trooper D.J. Chapman. “While they were dealing with him, Bub walked in on the home invasion and an argument and confrontation ensued.  Mr. Crum was stabbed in the torso.”

Chapman said a Wayne County deputy arrived and was able to talk to Crum before he died.  He indicated he didn’t know the individuals, but Trooper Chapman said he did think Blackburn was familiar with the attackers, identified as Shane Marcum, 24, and Willie Messer, 31, both from Kermit. The criminal complaint said the two were at Blackburn’s house for prescription drugs.

“My understanding was when he entered into the home he saw what was going on and didn’t want any part of it,” said Chapman. “No normal person would.”

Authorities ay Messer and Marcum fled the scene. They were captured later Saturday night on Jenny’s Creek in northern Mingo County near the Wayne County border.  They are both jailed today, faced with charges of first degree murder and armed robbery.