The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Local News

February 4, 2013

Investigation continues as murder charges dismissed

The investigation into the death of an Oak Hill man is continuing after murder charges were dismissed last Tuesday against another man who was arrested a week earlier.

Police found the body of Michael Sheets, 46, in his apartment on East Main Street on Jan. 21 when they responded to a trespassing call.

Jeffery Dale Lafferty, 39, was charged with murder, but Fayette County Prosecutor Carl Harris said Tuesday that charge has been dismissed.

While some reports indicated the dismissal came because of a lack of evidence, Harris said that is not the case. The prosecutor said there is plenty of evidence, but so far no clear cause of death.

Harris said his office is awaiting the toxicology report from the medical examiner’s office, which should illuminate somewhat the circumstances of Sheets’ death.

“It’s not a gunshot or a stabbing. What we have is someone who died and it appears there’s a possibility of a drug situation, but we don’t know that for sure because we haven’t gotten the report back,” Harris said.

“Until we do, it’s really not safe to say that it’s a clear case of this or that.”

 

Text Only
Local News
  • coda uke Deadline June 1 for Coda Kidz

    The sound of music and children’s laughter are in the air as budding young musicians, ages 5 to 12,  discover their musical talent in the fun and innovative summer program, Coda Kidz.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Fayette working to improve disaster response

    Improving the county’s communications during a disaster is a top priority of the Fayette County Office of Emergency Services, says the agency’s new director.

    May 23, 2013

  • School projects are prioritized in Mount Hope

    Mount Hope wants a new elementary school. That much is clear. But how and whether that’s going to happen is by no means apparent at this stage in Fayette County’s effort to address its numerous aging school buildings.

    May 23, 2013

  • izzys treehouse Smilin’ and playin’ at Izzy’s Treehouse

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Two Memorial Day events planned at Huse Memorial

    For those looking to spend their Memorial Day weekend taking part in a traditional graveside ceremony, Fayetteville offers two: A candlelight vigil and a groundbreaking for a new veterans’ memorial.

    May 23, 2013

  • carrie hill Memorial Day celebration

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Manchin rep to visit Oak Hill today

    U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced his office launched its fifth “Commonsense Connections” Week Monday. Representatives from Senator Manchin’s office will make more than 95 stops across West Virginia – traveling to all 55 counties – to meet with constituents, hear their commonsense priorities and concerns, and gather their feedback.

    May 23, 2013

  • cms hannah kaley kayden CMS Social Studies Fair winners

    May 23, 2013 4 Photos

  • jennifer williamsd Williams earns degree

    Jennifer Leigh Williams of Oak Hill received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree (cum laude) from the West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources on Saturday, May 18 at West Virginia University Coliseum.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Honor rolls

    May 23, 2013