Police investigating a year-old unsolved double murder say the case remains active, with officers conducting interviews outside the region.
Authorities have also released new details about the Nicholas County case.
Richwood area residents Howard Delp, 73, and April Moore, 29, were found beaten to death May 28, 2007 — Memorial Day. The bodies were discovered at Delp’s residence on Panther Creek Road near Nettie.
“We are still working it, we’ve been working and we’ve been working it. I don’t know how many hundreds of hours,” sheriff’s Chief Deputy Wayne Plummer said. “We just don’t have enough for an arrest right now.”
Investigators were in the northern region of the state Thursday conducting interviews, Plummer said. Possible suspects have been developed, and investigators now believe multiple suspects are involved. The investigators are also awaiting possible DNA evidence to return.
The likely motives are both drugs and robbery, Plummer said. Delp, he said, was a known oxycodone dealer authorities had encountered in the past.
“He was definitely a member of the drug trade,” Plummer said.
Delp was known to keep a “stash” of both drugs and money — which were not found after he and Moore were killed, Plummer said.
Moore, however, was not known by law enforcement officers before the homicides, Plummer said. Investigators only know both she and Delp were staying at the residence where they were found. They have not determined the nature of her relationship with Delp.
“We don’t know if they were a couple, just living together — we don’t know,” Plummer said.
Plummer said authorities still receive tips and no stone has been unturned. He encouraged anyone with information about the case to call the sheriff’s department at 872-7880.
The Central West Virginia Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force is handling the investigation, with assistance from the sheriff’s department and State Police.
“We are still working it hard,” Plummer said. “We have checked out everything — every rumor.”
-- E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com
Local News
Authorities release new details in 2007 beating deaths
Nicholas chief deputy says double murder remains under active investigation
- Local News
-
- New River to offer new degree in social services
-
Lake Stephens plans beach blast
Ring in the summer fun with food, friends, local musicians and a beachfront atmosphere June 2 at the fifth annual Lake Stephens Beach Blast.
-
Rahall speaks at Meadow Bridge graduation event
Representative Nick J. Rahall spoke at the Meadow Bridge High School graduation Saturday, commending the school and graduates on their decade-long 100 percent voter registration.
-
Boating accident claims man during camping trip
A Fayette County man is dead after a boating accident during a family camping trip Saturday, reported Jeff West, Chief Ranger for the New River Gorge National River.
- Calendar — Sunday, May 27, 2012
-
A fun day at school
Students who participated in a school fundraiser at Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary School sprayed their principal Becky Smith during a hot Friday. Smith was decked out in flippers, goggles and floaties during the fun. Smith paraded past students as they drenched her with water guns.
- Grads ‘trying to pay it forward’
-
Mount Hope woman aims to help youths live better lives
- Pool season to begin this weekend
- Safety key while boating in Mountain State
- More Local News Headlines


