Trio makes fatal mistake trying to rob armed 80-year-old

Larry Shaver, left, Whitney Kabiru, and John Grossklaus. (Photo: Fairmont Police Department)

One man is dead, another injured and a woman behind bars after the trio attempted to rob an elderly man Tuesday morning at his Fairmont, West Virginia, home, not realizing the man was armed.

The 80-year-old homeowner, whose name was not released, said a young woman came to his door and asked to use the phone because she had an emergency, according to a statement by Fairmont police. The homeowner let her in, but once the woman was through the door, two men dressed in all black pushed their way inside as well.

The men pulled a gun on the homeowner and announced a robbery. However, the elderly gentleman pulled out his own gun and shot the two men. The woman, who was later identified as 23-year-old Whitney Kabiru, ran off, leaving her wounded accomplices behind. Meanwhile, the homeowner called 911.

When police arrived on the scene, they found one of the suspects, Larry Shaver, 28, lying in the road with gunshot wounds to his head and neck. Across the street, the second suspect, John Grossklaus, 28, was found lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen. Shaver was pronounced dead at the scene. Grossklaus was transported to the hospital for medical treatment and later released into police custody. Kabiru was later found and arrested.

Grossklaus was charged with robbery and conspiracy and is being held on a $250,000 bail. Kabiru is also charged with robbery and conspiracy.

During the investigation, officers discovered the gun used by the suspects in the attempted robbery was merely a replica. Nonetheless, the homeowner, not knowing the gun was fake, feared for his life and acted in self-defense. Authorities confirmed he will not face charges.

Authorities also have reason to believe Shaver and Grossklaus were involved in other crimes that same night before they attempted to rob the elderly man.