Background: The Parkersburg, W.Va., neighborhood where Claudia Torres allegedly shot Austin Lamb on Feb. 27 (Google Maps). Inset: Claudia Torres (Parkersburg Police Department).
According to a statement from the Parkersburg Police Department, Torres was apprehended approximately a mile away from where Lamb was found dead inside a residence. The police investigation revealed that Torres had called 911 herself, confessing to the dispatcher, “This guy who I thought was my friend tried to grope me… so I shot him three times.” This admission was reiterated during her transport to the police station, as per police reports.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Lamb slumped over on a couch, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Lamb was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival, as documented in court filings.
Further details emerged from the night of the incident, as noted in court documents. Two witnesses, who were with Torres and Lamb at a bar earlier that evening, recounted a heated argument between the pair during their return journey. Once back at the residence, Lamb proceeded inside the house while Torres reportedly went to her truck, moments before the tragic incident unfolded.
According to court documents, officers arrived at the home to find Lamb slumped on a couch with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts, medics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Court documents state two witnesses who went to a bar with Torres and Lamb on the night of Feb. 27 said the two got into an argument on their way home. When the group got back home, Lamb went inside and Torres went to her truck.
Torres then stormed into the home and allegedly fired a gun at Lamb several times. She then left the house, and police said another witness saw her fire the gun one more time before fleeing the scene in her purple Dodge Ram. Police said surveillance video supported what witnesses reported seeing. Witnesses outside the home also told police they heard Torres say, “That’s what you get for messing with me.”
Police found Torres at a nearby gas station and detained her without incident.
Torres made her first court appearance on March 4 and was ordered to remain in custody without bond. She was charged with first-degree murder. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 10.
