PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Investigators are convinced a man wanted in a July killing in Wood County has left the area. A $1,000 reward is not posted for information leading to the arrest of the James Robert Brandjes, 30.
“We’ve exhausted all efforts locally and reached out to some federal and state partners in attempts to locate him,” said Parkersburg Chief of Police Joe Martin. “We don’t believe he’s still here locally or in Wood County.”
Brandjes is wanted in connection with the killing of Mark Weaver. Weaver was found dead at his home in Parkersburg July 25. Brandjes hasn’t been seen since then. Reports indicated he’s been sited in Pennsylvania and Martin thinks that is where he fled.
“I think the money will entice somebody or encourage someone with knowledge either locally or from the Philadelphia area or the Pittsburgh area to reach out and let us know where he’s at,” Martin said.
Brandjes is a tattoo artist and according to Martin his skills are often highly sought. He said that line of work would possibly take him north of the West Virginia border.