A Brenton woman was killed when she interrupted a robbery in her home Tuesday evening, according to Wyoming County Sheriff Randall Aliff.
Elaine Birchfield, 60, who lived alone on Shannon/Mill Creek Road, was found dead in her home, Aliff said.
John New, 20, of Briar Creek, is charged with first degree murder, grand larceny in connection with the theft of the victim’s truck and daytime burglary.
“He has confessed,” Aliff said Wednesday morning. “Robbery was the motive for him entering the house.”
Authorities were notified just after 6 p.m. Tuesday and began processing the scene as a homicide investigation, according to the sheriff.
Additionally, officers began talking to witnesses.
With the victim’s truck missing from the residence, an “All Points Bulletin” was issued for the vehicle.
As law enforcement officials continued the investigation at the victim’s residence in Wyoming County, officers from the Gilbert Police Department in Mingo County spotted the truck described in the APB a few hours later, Aliff said.
They stopped the truck and arrested the suspect, the sheriff noted.
“At this time, drugs do not appear to be a factor,” Aliff said.
It also doesn’t appear that New and Birchfield knew each other, the sheriff added.
No other details will be made public yet, Aliff said.
New was to be arraigned later Wednesday.
The investigation is continuing.
— E-mail: mcbrooks@register-herald.com
Local News
Man charged for woman’s murder
- Local News
-
-
Letter to Rahall notes FCI staffing
A local president of the American Federation of Government Employees has written Congressman Nick Rahall to express his concerns over what he believes to be understaffing and overcrowding at the Federal Correctional Institution in McDowell County.
-
Fire destroys house, but no injuries reported
A house fire in Coal City blazed for over an hour before area firefighters extinguished it Friday evening.
- More locations available as battery, glove dropoff sites
-
Fayette County deputies arrest two on drug charges
Fayette County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man and a woman in connection with a drug investigation Thursday.
-
Smithers fire chief and wife plead not guilty
After years of speculation and rumor of misspent funds, the former chief of the Smithers Volunteer Fire Department and his wife have been accused of embezzlement and fraud, respectively.
-
Veterans museum offers a glimpse into the past
Armed forces military museums depict some of the nation’s most brutal conflicts with vivid photos and actual weapons used in war.
-
Artie helps promote safety to kids
Wesley Bostic, 5, son of Lori and Jamie Bostic of Beckley, left Kohl’s Department Store Friday afternoon with several stickers, pencils, a keychain, a tattoo, and a new idea.
-
Fayette group opposes school improvement bond
Their showing was small, but their voice was united.
- Calendar — Saturday, May 25, 2013
-
Truckers getting showers back at Beckley travel plaza
After a long haul along the West Virginia Turnpike, truck drivers can get a refreshing shower at the Beckley travel plaza, starting May 31, after a two-year hiatus.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Letter to Rahall notes FCI staffing
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
