In a harrowing turn of events, Morgantown, West Virginia, finds itself reeling from a domestic tragedy as Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office reveals details of a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 39-year-old Jennifer L. Hribar. The alleged perpetrator, identified as 49-year-old Rick Allen Cordes, now faces first-degree murder charges for the untimely death of his wife, a grim incident that unfolded within the confines of their own home on Falling Water Lane.
The chain of events leading to this somber outcome began on the evening of April 19, 2024, when deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the Cordes residence. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers were met with a devastating scene, discovering Jennifer Hribar with a fatal gunshot wound. Despite the valiant efforts of emergency responders, her life could not be saved, leaving behind a community in shock and mourning.
As the investigation unfolded, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Detectives pieced together the tragic sequence of events that led to Jennifer’s untimely demise. According to preliminary findings, a heated argument between the couple escalated into a fatal confrontation, culminating in Rick Allen Cordes allegedly firing the fatal shot that ended his wife’s life. The couple, who had exchanged vows just the previous year in 2023, now finds their union shattered by an unspeakable act of violence.
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the community of Morgantown stands united in grief, grappling with the incomprehensible loss of a beloved member. Jennifer Hribar’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating toll of domestic violence, a scourge that continues to plague communities across the nation.
As Rick Allen Cordes awaits his day in court, the wheels of justice slowly turn, seeking to bring closure to a grieving family and accountability to an act of senseless violence. Yet, for those left behind to mourn the loss of Jennifer Hribar, no verdict or sentence can ever fully heal the wounds inflicted by her tragic passing.
In the midst of this dark chapter, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office renews its call for cooperation from the public, urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Together, as a community, Morgantown will strive to honor Jennifer Hribar’s memory and work towards a future free from the specter of domestic violence, where every individual can feel safe and secure within their own homes.
