Cold Case Files


Octber, 2001 - Missing Person - Monongalia County​​

The West Virginia State Police are assisting the Pennsylvania State Police with the investigation of a missing Pennsylvania man that, according to family members, has been missing since October 12, 2001. The missing man has been identified as thirty year old Jerry Lee Cushey.

The West Virginia State Police, at the request of the family, have conducted a total of four ground searches and four water searches, including one water search on October 12, 2001. The searches have been concentrated around the Cheat Lake area in Monongalia County. On October 12, 2001 there were a total of thirty-seven members representing Granville Volunteer Fire Dep​artment, Barbour County Search and Rescue Tactical Team, Marion County Dive Rescue Team, Mountaineer Area Rescue Group, and the Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department, assisting in the search. To date, the searches have produced no conclusive evidence.

The West Virginia State Police are requesting that anyone with any information regarding the disappearance of Jerry Lee Cushey contact the West Virginia State Police Morgantown Detachment at 304-285-3200, or the Pennsylvania State Police Belle Vernon Barracks at 724-929-6262.
 

September, 2002 - Unidentified Human Remains - Greenbrier County

On September 26, 2002, a body was discovered in the Greenbrier State Forest by a passerby. The body was over an embankment along Greenbrier State Forest Road (Harts Run).

The body has been examined and determined to be of Asian descent with a height between 4'2" and 5'2", the age is believed to be between 25 to 33. One article of clothing was Mercata brand orange shorts which are only sold in Walmart stores in Mexico. The person's teeth were all found to be original with a few fillings. It was determined that the individual was probably right-handed. A pair of green swimming goggles was also located near the body. A blue Ford Escort was seen in the area and may possibly be linked to the crime.

Any information please contact the WV State Police, Lewisburg Detachment at (304) 647-7600.

May, 2001 - Unidentifi​ed Human Remains - Greenbrier County


December, 1999 - Missing Persons - Lewis Cou​nty

 

November, 1997 - Hit and Run - Kanawha County

On November 25, 1997, a body was located near the eastbound entrance ramp of I-64 at Dunbar. The body was identified as that of Cecil E. Dowell, age 46, of Edmond in Fayette County, WV. The investigation revealed that Dowell was reported as a missing person on November 5, 1997. The autopsy showed that the time of death was near the November 5th date and was caused by injuries sustained as a result of being struck by a vehicle. Further investigation found that the striking vehicle was definitely a Glacier Blue colored Chrysler vehicle and was a 1984, 1985, or 1988 model. It is also believed that the vehicle could be a 1984 or 1985 Plymouth Voyager or Dodge Caravan due to vehicle parts located at the scene, however, the latter could be due to a previous accident. It is the theory of the investigating officers that a person or persons unknown may have struck the subject not knowing that a person had been hit. The West Virginia State Police wish to close this investigation, anyone with information can provide anonymous information via www.wvcrime.com or to the Winfield Detachment at 304-586-2000 or via fax at 304-586-0763.

July, 1991 - Unidentified Deceased - Fredrick County, Maryland



November, 1980 - Murder - Elkins

On November 18, 1980, Clarence "moses" Riffle, a 76 year old retired coal miner, was murdered at his residence near Jimtown, WV. Mr. Riffle was shot to death at his residence. The perpetrator(s) removed money from the residence as well as a .410 gauge Westernfield bolt action shotgun. This weapon had the victim's name, written on a piece of paper, and was hidden under the buttplate of the weapon.

This case has no current leads and the Elkins Detachment of the West Virginia State Police is seeking information. Anyone having information concerning this crime is urged to contact the Elkins Detachment of the West Virginia State Police at (304)637-0200.

June, 1978 - Murder - Beckley

The Cold Case Unit of the West Virginia State Police is seeking information concerning the murder of Nick Johnson. Mr. Johnson was the victim of a brutal attack that took place in his home on June 8, 1978 in Sprague (Beckley Area), West Virginia. Mr. Johnson was a retired coal miner and would frequent Barney’s Bar in Beckley. The Cold Case Unit is seeking anyone that may have information concerning Mr. Johnson and this investigation. If you have information, please contact Sergeant Danny Swiger at 304-329-1101 or Sergeant Mike Spradlin at 304-647-7600 or contact your local State Police Detachment.

June, 1977 - Murder - Ohio County

The West Virginia State Police Cold Case Investigations Unit and the Ohio County Sheriff's Department are requesting your help to heat up a cold case. On June 13, 1977 Roberta Elam, a Postulant Nun, was raped and murdered on the grounds of Mount Saint Joseph's Convent, near Wheeling, West Virginia. Numerous hours were put into this investigation to no avail. Recently, the investigation was heated up and new forensic evidence have been identified through DNA analysis. We are trying to locate anyone who may have information concerning this investigation. If you have information you are asked to contact your local State Police Detachment. The tip you give may help solve this horrible crime.







 May, 1974 - Endangered Missing - Marshall County

Missing From: Mound​sville, WV

Missing Since: May 30, 1974

Details:

Annita Price was last seen on May 30, 1974, at approximately 2045 hours when she left for her place of employment, the Flamingo Club, in Benwood, West Virginia. The car Ms. Price was driving was found along WV Route 2 at 12th Street in McMechan, WV, just north of Moundsville, WV. Ms. Price never arrived at work and was never seen again. Ms. Price has distinctive scars on her left arm and torso from severe burns when she was a child. It is believed that Annita Price's disappearance is connected to foul play in some manner. Anyone who may have information about the disappearance of Annita Price is asked to contact Sergeant Danny Swiger at 304-329-1101 or your local State Police Detachment.

June, 1950 - Murder - Morgan County

On June 10, 1950 a white, female body was discovered near old US 522 by the Hancock Bridge. The body was a white female, approximately 30 to 35 years old, 5'5" tall, weighing 125 to 130 pounds, with auburn colored hair. The victim had been strangled. To date, the victim has never been identified.

Homicide Vic​ti​m Information Needed