VIENNA, W.Va. — Wood County investigators released more information from a weekend murder case.
Authorities charged Hearl Collins, 31, of Vienna with first degree murder for the shooting death of his live-in girlfriend Morgan Lee Lott (Stutler), 22, of Vienna.
“Seems to be a domestic situation that turned violent obviously. A family member went in and found the step-daughter deceased with a bullet to the head,” said Vienna Police Chief Carl Powell.
The discovery came Saturday when Lott’s step-mother came to the home to check on her. Lott’s four-year old daughter was in the home at the time of the discovery, but was not injured. It’s unclear if the child witnessed her mother’s death. Powell would not comment on the child’s presence at the home.
Although Vienna Police had not been called to the home earlier in the evening, relatives told investigators the two had a history of fighting and problems.
Collins was located and arrested Sunday at a home in Harrison County.
“It appears to be where he was from. He’s got family in that area,” said Powell.
Collins is lodged in the North Central Regional Jail without bond and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.