RELATED STORIES
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Double Murder Case Unfolds in Charleston, West Virginia
In a harrowing turn of events, a Detroit man, Marquis Goodman, has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in connection to the tragic killing of two women in Charleston, West Virginia, back in October 2021. The incident sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Charleston, leaving residents reeling with disbelief.
The Scene of the Crime
The dreadful events unfolded on the quiet streets of Charleston’s West Side, specifically in the 300 block of Hunt Avenue. It was a peaceful night that was shattered by the sound of gunshots, prompting a swift response from Charleston police officers at around 1:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Bria White, who had been fatally shot multiple times, lying in the entryway of Given’s Crankshaft. The scene was a chilling reminder of the violence that had erupted in the usually serene neighborhood.
As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement officials raced against time to locate White’s domestic partner, Bytiana Belcher. Their search led them to the 1000 block of Grant Street, where they found Belcher lying lifeless along the fence line of a residence, with a fatal gunshot wound to her throat.
Unravelling the Mystery
The investigation took a significant turn when police discovered a crucial piece of evidence on Belcher’s phone – a Snapchat video timestamped at 1:17 a.m. on the night of the incident. The video showed a man wearing a distinctive blue zip-up jacket with white stripes, black shorts, and a “Michael Myers” mask, with White following closely behind him.
Further surveillance footage captured the man fleeing the scene and discarding articles of clothing as he ran towards the intersection of Main Street and Marion Street. The police later recovered a firearm and the discarded clothing items, including the blue jacket and masks, near Main and Marion Street, providing critical clues for the investigation.
A Suspect Emerges
Through diligent detective work and witness statements, the authorities were able to identify the man in the video as Marquis Jermayne Goodman, a Detroit native known as “KJ.” Video surveillance footage placed Goodman with the victims in the Littlepage Terrace area just minutes before the tragic events unfolded.
Goodman was apprehended in Detroit on October 14, 2021, and subsequently extradited to Charleston to face charges related to the double murder case. His guilty plea to two counts of second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 80 years behind bars, marking a significant step towards justice for the victims and their loved ones.
Closure and Justice Await
As Marquis Goodman awaits his court date on April 29, the Charleston community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night in October 2021. The plea of guilt brings a glimmer of hope for closure and justice for the families of Bria White and Bytiana Belcher, as they continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones.
.