2 Arrests in Beating Death of Area Native at College

Two men are under arrest in the death of a Bucks County student athlete who died after being attacked by a group of men while attending college in West Virginia.

Kevin Figaniak, 21, died about 24 hours after he and a friend were attacked while walking home from a bar near Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, W.V. early Saturday morning. Figaniak suffered severe head trauma during the attack and died at a Pittsburgh area hospital, according to Wheeling Police.

Wheeling Police and local authorities in West Virginia arrested Craig Peacock, 22, of Clewston, Fla. and Jarrett Chandler, 24, of Winnfield, La. around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday at an area campsite.

Both men were arraigned on murder charges and sent to regional jail on $1 million bond each.

Police didn't reveal how they focused in on Peacock and Chandler.

Figaniak hailed from Perkasie, Bucks County, Pa. Pennridge High School principal Dr. Thomas Creeden said in a statement that the entire school community was "saddened and shocked" by the "horrific death."

"Kevin was an outstanding young man with a high level of energy and a very competitive nature. Kevin was a hardworking student with a love for ice hockey and lacrosse. He continued that eagerness for competition through his college years... His teachers describe him as always upbeat and caring for his teammates and peers. Kevin will be sorely missed by everyone at Pennridge High School."

Figaniak played both lacrosse and hockey while majoring in business at Wheeling Jesuit where he was set to graduate this spring.

“Kevin spent the last three years at Wheeling Jesuit forging friendships and in his final hours, Kevin was surrounded by those friends and his family, who, through their love and prayers, brought Kevin home to Jesus,” said WJU president Rev. James Fleming in a prepared statement. “We ask you to please keep Kevin, his family and the entire Wheeling Jesuit community in your prayers.”

Figaniak and his friend were attacked by a group of three to four men along Locust Avenue in a residential neighborhood near some bars and restaurants around 1:45 a.m. Saturday. The attackers, described by police as males in their mid-20s, fled the scene before police officers arrived.

Figaniak's friend suffered some bumps and bruises, according police.

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said Monday that the department was "vigorously investigating" the case.

The university held a prayer service for Figaniak Saturday night and held Masses after Figaniak died Sunday. Grief counselors were on campus to support students.

Funerals plans are pending.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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