A West Virginia father is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly crashing his SUV into a parked construction vehicle, killing his two young sons and critically injuring a third child. James Edward Neal Jr., 34, reportedly made jokes about his own hand injuries after learning of the deaths, according to authorities and court records.
Background
The tragedy unfolded on Aug. 22 in Clay County, West Virginia, as Neal was driving home from a football event. Inside the SUV were three children: his 7-year-old son, James Edward Neal III; his 13-year-old son, Zayden Andrew Hurley; and a 14-year-old friend of the boys. According to WCHS, the group was returning from the sporting event when the crash occurred.
Authorities state that Neal smashed his vehicle into a stationary front-end loader operated by the West Virginia Department of Highways. The collision happened on a straight stretch of road. West Virginia State Police, firefighters, and medics responded to the scene, where they discovered that James and Zayden had died from their injuries. The third child, the 14-year-old friend, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
The extent of the injuries to the surviving teen was described as severe. A GoFundMe campaign established for the boy noted that the impact and his seat belt apparently "cut [him] in half on the inside," splitting his abdominal wall and causing his organs to push forward. He was placed on a ventilator for two days and underwent multiple surgeries.
The Investigation
Investigators faced immediate challenges at the scene due to the "emotionally charged nature" of the crash and Neal’s visible head trauma, which prevented the administration of field sobriety tests. However, criminal complaints filed in the case reveal that Neal allegedly conceded to relapsing after nearly five years of sobriety, admitting to recent use of methamphetamine and marijuana.
According to the complaint, troopers observed that Neal appeared disoriented, with sweating and body tremors. Neal allegedly told investigators that he had fallen asleep at the wheel. After being transported to a regional hospital for treatment, Neal’s blood was drawn, and he allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine and THC.
The investigation also highlighted a disturbing reaction from the defendant. Reports indicate that after Neal learned his two sons had been killed in the crash, he made jokes with an acquaintance regarding lacerations on his hands. The third child’s family has faced significant financial hurdles, as the GoFundMe noted that Neal did not have car insurance, leaving the child’s father to cover the medical expenses.
The Charges
James Edward Neal Jr. has been charged with two counts of child neglect resulting in death in connection with the fatalities of James Edward Neal III and Zayden Andrew Hurley. Court records reviewed by Law&Crime confirm these charges alongside several others related to the crash and the injury of the third passenger.
Neal also faces two counts of DUI with deliberate disregard for the safety of others causing death. Additionally, he is charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury and child neglect creating a risk of serious bodily injury or death. He is currently being held at the Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility on a $1 million bond.
Key Takeaways
- James Edward Neal Jr. is charged with two counts of child neglect resulting in death and multiple DUI charges.
- The crash occurred on Aug. 22 in Clay County, W.Va., when Neal allegedly hit a parked front-end loader.
- Victims identified as James Edward Neal III, 7, and Zayden Andrew Hurley, 13; both were students and football enthusiasts.
- A third child, age 14, suffered critical internal injuries and required multiple surgeries.
- Neal allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine and THC after the crash.
- Authorities report Neal made jokes about his injuries after learning his sons had died.
- Neal is held on a $1 million bond at the Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility.
What's Next
James Edward Neal Jr. remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. The investigation into the crash and the specific circumstances of his alleged substance use will likely be central to the prosecution's case. The community in Clay County continues to mourn the loss of the two boys, whose obituary described them as having "personalities larger than life" and shared dreams of becoming NFL players. Updates on trial dates and potential sentencing will follow as the case progresses through the West Virginia court system.