Summers Law Office, PLLC

05/07/2026

Statement from the Family of John Lucas concerning indictments this afternoon.

First and foremost, the family gives their thanks to God for answered prayers.

They would also like to thank the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and Deb Rusnak and her staff at the Prosecutor’s office for their hard work. (Especially in the face of considerable unwarranted criticism.)

They would also like to express their thanks to the community. You have lifted them up and supported them during this horrible time. You have ensured that John’s name and memory are kept alive.

Finally, they would like to thank Leslie Rubin and Jacob Peklo at Channel 8 as well as Amanda Barren at Channel 13 and Eric Douglas at WV Public Broadcasting for correcting the narrative regarding John’s killing.

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

Update on the John Lucas case:

Press conference at 3:45 to announce results of Grand Jury.

04/29/2026

Update on the John Curtis Lucas case.

We have met with the Prosecuting Attorney, Debra Rusnak, and she has provided us with a great deal of information. It is very clear that she has been working extremely hard on this case from day one. Law enforcement has also been working diligently from the moment they arrived on scene to gather and preserve evidence. It did not take our voices to get them working, they were working before they knew who we were.

We have confirmed many things. However, due to the fact that the investigation is still ongoing, we are not at liberty to disclose much.

From the beginning, the Lucas family has merely asked that they know what happened based on actual facts. Not rumors, suppositions or favorable / unfavorable spin. The only thing they knew to be unquestionably true is that their beloved John was drug under an ambulance for nearly two miles. That horrendous event resulted in the traumatic amputation of his arm and ultimately his death.

In the days since John’s death, we have been able to answer many more questions. We would like to offer the following as to a portion of what we now know to be true.

We will not engage in speculation, or provide our analysis of what the evidence could prove - or disprove.

Conspiracy and/or Cover Up:

There is zero indication that there is any sort of conspiracy or cover up.

There is no relative of the ambulance crew that works in the Sheriff’s Department. Just someone who happens to share the last name with one of the women. He is a transplant from New Jersey.

There is no indication that the Father of one of the occupants has interfered in the investigation, or has attempted to interfere in the investigation. If he has, he has failed miserably. I can confidently say that this investigation appears to have been conducted, and is still being conducted, without regard to who may be related to the criminally culpable.

Dash Cam from the Ambulance:

Yes, there was a dash cam in the ambulance. There is both audio and video. The recordings have been preserved and are in the hands of the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney. The Prosecuting Attorney has permitted us to view the recordings. There is a forward facing camera that records video only. There is also a camera facing interior that records audio and video. The recordings cover a 35 minute time span from before John’s first encounter with the ambulance, through the striking of John with the ambulance, then continues for the entirety of the nearly two mile trip while John was under the ambulance. The recordings end with the arrival of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Contrary to the outcry, the public is not entitled to have this recording while the investigation is ongoing. Frankly, the Prosecutor has absolutely no obligation to permit me, or the family, to see this recording at this stage.

On a personal note, please do not ask the family about the contents of the recording or any other information we have learned through the Prosecutor’s office. They are physically and emotionally exhausted. They need a chance to rest. When they are up to it, they will speak. But they will only speak about what they have been instructed by me to speak about. We can never lose sight of the fact that the criminal case is coming and we do not want to jeopardize any aspect of that process.

At this point, there is a valid procedural reason why there have been no arrests. What we want is for the Prosecutor to be confident in her path forward and what she believes she can prove within the tight confines of the law. We do not want the Prosecuting Attorney to rush her case and make an immediate arrest to satisfy the outcry for immediate justice. Although it is extremely hard to do in this terrible time of pain and anger, we must trust the process.

I will share additional specific information in the near future. Please try to refrain from additional conjecture and speculation. The family now knows exactly what happened. We may never know why it happened.



Thanks,

Scott

04/23/2026

As many of you know I represent the family of John Lucas.

As a result of the release of the video, the misinformation that was initially spread has been corrected.

The overwhelming support the family has received from the community has shown how much John was loved and by so many.

John’s family sincerely appreciates the amazing outpouring of support. Many people have offered financial contributions. Mr. Lucas requests that, if you want to make contributions, please make them to the Elk River Community Center in John’s name.

We understand the anger, grief, and frustration that so many are feeling over the senseless death of John. The family and I deeply appreciate the voices that have been heard, and continue to be heard, demanding justice for John.

However, in raising our voices and our concerns, and in advocating for the justice that John so deeply deserves, we must do so in a manner that is honoring John's memory. Please keep this in mind as you continue to advocate for him. Nothing is gained through threats of violence or physical intimidation. We share the frustration with the speed at which the judicial process moves.

Please remember that the horrendous decisions made in the cab of that ambulance, were not the decisions and actions of every EMT and first responder. Those terrible life-ending decisions do not define an entire group of dedicated professionals.

EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders put themselves in difficult and often unpredictable situations every day to serve and protect their communities. The overwhelming majority of them do so with integrity, compassion and a genuine desire to help.

Vilifying or threatening an entire profession based upon the actions of a few, risks undermining the very system that communities rely on in times of need. Violence, or threats of violence, even when directed at the persons responsible, do not bring healing or justice. They only deepen the harm that has already been done and move us away from honoring John’s memory in a meaningful way.

True accountability comes through lawful, measured and peaceful action. The Elk River Community is showing its strength through compassion, unity, peaceful gatherings, peaceful protests and a commitment to seeking justice the right way.

Let’s continue to stand together, firm in our pursuit of justice for John. But let’s do so grounded in respect, restraint and the values that make the community strong.

That is the type of action that best honors John Curtis Lucas. .

Thanks,

Scott

02/06/2026

If you want to work it out before you fight it out, mediation may be the answer. Give us a call.

11/07/2025

We are honored to be chosen again for recognition in Best Law Firms.

Scott was also named individually in Best Lawyers. Scott has been included in Best Lawyers since 2016.

08/16/2024

Divorce mediation: because sometimes it's better to split amicably than argue bitterly - especially when there are children involved.

Considering mediation in a divorce? Give us a call. 304-755-5922

11/21/2023

Another successful adoption! ☑️
Congratulations to Elizabeth and CJ, we would like to thank you for choosing Summers Law Office to help you through this process. 🤎