LERONA, W.Va. — A court-ordered mental status evaluation scheduled for Wednesday will determine if a woman accused of beheading her boyfriend can stand trial.
A body was discovered on April 1 at a Clover Lane residence in the community of Lerona. A gag order was placed for several days following the incident, meaning details were withheld from the media until April 9.
According to Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney George Sitler, Roena Cheryl Mills, 41 of Rural Retreat, Va., was taken into custody in connection to the crime. The body of Bo White, 29 of Lerona, was found decapitated inside of the residence.
“According to the complaint, this was a decapitation homicide,” said Sitler. “That’s how it appears.”
Sitler also explained the case will be presented to a June Mercer County grand jury. If 12 of the 16 grand jurors find probable cause, Mills will be indicted on either a first or second degree murder charge.
“Even though she’s only been initially charged with second degree murder because there was some initial doubt about premeditation, (the June) grand jury could certainly indict her for first degree murder.”
A criminal complaint said authorities were called to the area of Eden Valley Road earlier on April 1 after witnesses saw Mills “covered in blood wearing a glove on her right hand”. The document also indicated she was under the influence.
Mills was arrested after providing deputies with a false identity and refusing to leave. Deputies recovered narcotics while searching her during the arrest.
While en route for further questioning, she allegedly kicked a dividing wall in the cruiser multiple times and shouted “you have to take me back and let me get my heads”.
Due to her combative nature, Mills was charged with obstructing and battery on an officer as well as possession for the narcotics found on her. She is currently being held at the Southern Regional Jail in Raleigh County on $210,000.