BECKLEY, W.Va. — More details are emerging in the case of a former Raleigh County caretaker accused in the 2014 death of a client.
Jessica Lunceford, 45, of Beckley was taken into custody Monday and charged in the beating death of 76-year-old Sylvia Washington at the victim’s East Beckley residence in April 2014.
According to police, there is evidence Lunceford took advantage of Washington’s finances for her own benefit. Additionally, a warrant obtained to examine Lunceford’s cell phone reportedly revealed multiple internet searches about poisoning, strangulation, and how to destroy fingerprint evidence, in the days leading up to Washington’s death. Investigators also say Lunceford made contradictory statements regarding her whereabouts on the day of Washington’s death.
The medical examiner who conducted the autopsy determined Washington had been struck in the head with a blunt object and strangled.
Police are investigating other suspects possibly involved in the case, and say more arrests could be made soon. The Crimestoppers of West Virginia Cold Case Task Force, the U.S. Marshal Service, and the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are assisting in the investigation.