CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Kanawha County man, expected to take the stand in his own murder trial Wednesday, took his own life a few hours before, authorities said.
Scott Meador, 40, was found dead in his residence by his father, according to Kanawha County Prosecutor Chuck Miller.
“He was on home confinement as a condition of bond and his dad went to check to see why he hadn’t arrived (at court) yet and he found him deceased at his residence,” Miller said.
Meador used a plastic bag to cut off his breathing. He died of asphyxiation, Miller said.
Meador had apparently decided Tuesday night to testify in his own defense. He killed Glen Alfred Carpenter Jr. in December 2015 when they were working on a construction project together in Jefferson.
Meador claimed the killing was in self-defense. Miller told the jury earlier this week Meador shot Carpenter once and then stabbed him 18 times.
Miller said he spoke to the Carpenter family after learning the news and there was a sense of relief that the case was over but there was no celebrating.
“They simply were glad it was final but sad that someone took their life,” he said.
Meador had shown no problems on home confinement, Miller said.
“The state had no reason to believe that he intended to harm himself,” Miller said.