West Virginia – In a harrowing sequence of events in West Virginia that ended in a double homicide and arson, a 42-year-old father, identified as J. Morrow, is now facing murder and arson charges after allegedly killing his fiancee and her mother before setting fire to his home.
Morrow is accused of the brutal stabbing deaths of his 34-year-old girlfriend, identified as Britney B., and his girlfriend’s 57-year-old mother, identified as Erma B. Following the murders, he is also charged with first-degree arson for setting his home ablaze. The grim discovery was made on December 15, marking a violent end to what neighbors described as a peaceful community.
The series of events unfolded around 7:54 p.m. on Sunday, according to surveillance footage captured by a neighbor’s camera, which showed Morrow arriving at his residence. He was seen leaving the home shortly afterward, 28 minutes later, during which time a glow indicative of a fire starting was visible from the house. By 9:42 p.m., Morrow reportedly dropped off his 1-year-old daughter at a friend’s house, stating that he needed someone to care for her as people were trying to “put him in jail” and ominously remarked that they were “all gone” and went up in a “blaze.”
Firefighters responded to the scene at 10:40 p.m., where they discovered the bodies of the women amidst the rubble of the burned home. Both bodies exhibited multiple stab wounds and blood stains, which led authorities to quickly deem the deaths homicides. The quick response of the neighbors and the evidence gathered from surveillance footage played a crucial role in piecing together the night’s events. Police efforts intensified after an Amber Alert was issued to locate Morrow’s daughter, fearing for her safety. Fortunately, the child was found unharmed at the friend’s house, where her father had left her. This discovery provided some relief amidst the tragic circumstances.
Morrow was apprehended before dawn on Friday, about 20 miles north of the crime scene, following a tip-off about his location. His criminal history includes a prior conviction for second-degree murder in 2001, for which he was sentenced to 40 years in prison but was released on parole in 2017. Currently held without bail in jail, Morrow is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday. While he faces charges for the murders and arson, it remains unclear whether additional charges related to the abduction of his daughter will be pursued, though the investigation continues.
The local community has been left shocked and saddened by the brutal nature of the crimes. Assistant State Attorney remarked on the quick apprehension of Morrow, thanks to effective police work and community vigilance. “This case is a tragic reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind closed doors,” they commented. For the families involved, the legal process may offer some closure, but the loss and trauma experienced are irrevocable. As Morrow awaits his trial, the community and the victims’ families are hoping for justice to be served comprehensively, bringing some sense of closure to this dreadful chapter.
