LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Greenbrier County Sheriff Bruce Sloan said it was gratifying for his deputies who have been working for more than a year to finally make an arrest in a double homicide investigation.
Jeremiah Powell, 32, of Marlinton was charged with two counts of first degree murder over the weekend in the April 2020 killing of Joseph and Daisey Foster at a home in Ronceverte.
“His name came to light during the investigation which has been active since the inception of the investigation back in April of last year,” said Sloan.
Authorities were led to Powell after the Medical Examiner determined the two victims had been bludgeoned to death with a blow to the head. A fire was set to cover up much of the evidence and Sloan said that made this case much more difficult to solve.
“Just the fire itself to the residence was an obstacle. The State Medical Examiner’s office was the one who provided the manner of death,” he said.
The investigation continues and more charges could be forth coming according to Sloan.
“We would not rule out additional individuals being charged,” Sloan said.
Sloan said they believe they have determined the motive, but were not releasing the information. According to the sheriff there was no known previous connection between the victims and Powell.