BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Testimony in the Andy McCauley Jr. trial began Monday in a Morgan County courtroom.
McCauley has been charged for the disappearance and death of 15-year-old Riley Crossman, who was his girlfriend’s daughter. Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Dan James spent Monday trying to establish a timeline of events surrounding her May 2019 disappearance and the discovery of her remains.
A cadaver dog found evidence of human remains in a work truck that, according to James, McCauley had driven. McCauley had claimed he went to his job as a construction worker and did not leave the worksite. He later said he did leave the area to buy drugs, but also stated he went to his house to get drugs for him and a co-worker.
James noted law enforcement found blood and saliva on Riley’s bedding. He added he can present expert witnesses who believe the cause of death was asphyxiation.
Defense Attorney Andrew Arnold argued human remains is not narrow enough of a term, adding the jury must make a verdict based on evidence.
“As the evidence is presented, our task is going to be not to be overwhelmed by emotion,” he said. “Your task is going to be to go back and deliberate on the evidence.”
McCauley faces charges of first-degree murder, concealment of a body and death of a child by child abuse.