BECKLEY, W.Va. — Three men have been charged in the beating death of a fellow inmate at Southern Regional Jail, during the weekend.
According to the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, Kevin Whittaker of Princeton was found unresponsive in his cell on Saturday. He was transported to a local hospital where he later was pronounced dead.
The suspects have been identified as inmates Thomas Jones of Princeton, Anthony Johnson of Oceana, and Dallas Lauschin of Princeton, all of whom are charged with first degree murder. The three were being held on various misdemeanor charges. Whittaker was being held on a DUI charge.
Investigators said the suspects did not appear to be acquainted with the victim, prior to the assault. The motive for the attack was unclear.