MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A man was arraigned Monday on a murder charge in connection with a Martinsburg carjacking as friends of the 86-year-old victim gathered at Berkeley County Magistrate Court.
Charges were increased against Adam Lee Domer, 36, of Martinsburg, following Friday’s death of Joan Staubs, 86. Domer allegedly attacked Staubs as she was getting in her car in the State Circle area of Martinsburg to go to church on Sunday, Sept. 2. She suffered serious head injuries.
Domer was originally charged with grand larceny, two counts of malicious wounding and robbery.
Staub was on her way to Winchester Avenue Christian Church when the attack occurred. Approximately 15 fellow church members and friends were at magistrate court Monday afternoon for a Domer court appearance.
“The is very solemn, very emotional,” fellow church member Kathy Gess MetroNews affiliate WEPM in Martinsburg. “But yet, we know that she is with the Lord. We just have to accept it and know that she is in a better place.”
She described Staub as a “very Christian lady” who never harmed anyone.
“She was always ready to help other people and do other things. She was just an all-around nice person,” Gess said.
Gess said she can’t get over why someone would want to attack an 86-year-old woman.
“It just boggles my mind. I can’t get over it. None of us can. We still can’t believe it really happened,” Gess said.
Domer is being held in the Eastern Regional Jail on numerous charges. The murder charge carries no bond.
WEPM Reporter Elias McMillan contributed to this story.