Man accused of stabbing an elementary school principal faces an extradition hearing

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WCHS – Joshua Collins of Huntington is accused of violently stabbing South Point Elementary School principal Bill Christian. Collins could soon be back in Ohio to answer the charges. His extradition hearing was held Friday morning in Cabell County Magistrate Court

“I will sign the papers to return to Lawrence County and satisfy them,” defendant Joshua Collins told the judge.

“My first reaction was to pray,” said Allen Wagner of South Point.

He lives a few blocks from South Point Elementary, where his daughter is a teacher and his grandson is a student.

“Knowing that the police were already there within minutes, I felt safe knowing that my daughter texted her mother and told her that this had happened. At that point they didn't feel there was any danger, but it was still traumatic,” Wagner said.

“It’s still an emotional roller coaster,” said South Point Police Chief Chris Majher.

He says the community is doing as well as can be expected, but it is a painful tragedy that people will always remember. Chief Majher says a cleaning company is expected at the school this weekend, but it is unclear when students will return.

In the meantime, a trial date will be set before a district judge in Cabell County so that Collins can begin paperwork to return to Lawrence County.