Irene Wilson was born Irene Shomo on July 15, 1910 in Junior, WV (in Barbour County). She married Delfred Ray Wilson and together the pair had three children: Charles, Helen and Betty. Although there is not a lot of information regarding Irene’s life, those who knew her have described her as, “a well liked Christian lady.” The family lived in Five Forks, West Virginia in Calhoun County. Irene was a homemaker but worked for a short time at the Ben Franklin Five and Dime, as well as Fetty’s Store in nearby Pleasant Hill, WV.
On the evening of January 5, 1963, Delfred Wilson (Irene’s husband) became concerned when his wife failed to answer his daily phone call, which he was in the habit of making from work. Delfred worked the night shift, and would typically check in on Irene around 9:00pm each night. When she failed to answer any of his multiple calls, Delfred called one of the couple’s closest neighbors, Henry Welch, who sent his two (2) step daughters over to check on Mrs. Wilson. What they found however, was far more nefarious.
From the screened door, the girls were able to see the lifeless body of Irene Wilson laying on the floor of the residence dining room. The girls immediately ran for help, arriving at the home of another neighbor, Paul Ritchie, where they called the West Virginia State Police.
The County Coroner, Dr. M.N. Malinowski, performed the autopsy and determined that Irene had been stabbed fifty two (52) times with what they believed to be a butcher knife. This resulted in numerous lacerations which perforated the left lung and aorta and resulted in hemmhorage. There was no sign of rape or sexual assault to the body. The body was also notably burned about the head, neck and chest.
Though there have been several persons of interest throughout the years, Irene’s case has gone cold. Her husband, Delfred, who was considered a prime suspect in the murder, died five (5) months after Irene had been killed. Her three (3) children remain adamant that their father had no ties to the crime.
If you or anyone you know has any information regarding the murder of Irene Shomo Wilson, please contact the Ivydale detachment of the West Virginia State Police (Calhoun County) at (304) 286, 3185.
References:
Youtube:
A-Paul- Why Was Irene Wilson Stabbed 52 Times?
Newspapers:
The Hur Herald: https://www.hurherald.com/recent_news.php?id=45989
The Beckley Post Herald
The Raleigh Register