Crime in the Coalfields

Latest Episodes:

Marsha Ferber Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

In a unique collaboration with the podcast 'I Was Never There', Crime in the Coalfields brings you a cold case about a Morgantown bartender who hasn't been seen for around 40 years. Marsha Ferber disappeared, leaving behind her wallet, keys, and several theories about where she could have gone. She was a folk hero to the people of downtown Morgantown, who helped the community in a myriad of ways. However, our special guests from 'I Was Never There' found out the darker story behind part of who Marsha Ferber was, and share how they came about their discoveries. These discoveries could make or break the story of how and why she went missing.

Megan Poston (Huntington Prom Night Murders Revisited) Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Two and a half months ago, we told the story of the Huntington Prom Night Murders, four teenagers who were murdered on their prom night in 2005. On May 22nd, 2005, Donte Ward, Eddrick Clark, Michael Dillon, and Megan Poston, who was only sixteen, were all shot to death near Ward's home. Megan Poston's mother, Subrina Gebheart, spoke with us about what happened to her daughter. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The only open investigation regarding the case is a 45,000 dollar reward for any information on the case, brought together by Subrina, the other families, and others in the community.

Roy Melvin Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

A Bluefield man whose killer wasn't brought to justice after over 70 years, Roy Melvin was killed getting firewood for his family just after Christmas in 1951. His granddaughter was always told stories about his trek home after being shot multiple times, but didn't find out until later that his killer was never apprehended for the crime of murdering a loving family man.

Alex Carter Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

Alex Carter, an at the time ten-year-old girl, has been missing along with her non-custodial mother for over 20 years. Her father hopes for any information about her disappearance daily, keeping a picture of her by his side. The FBI just reopened the case with local law enforcement last year. They're close to finding out what happened to Alex Carter and her mother when the two of them went missing. This week we interview the FBI about the investigation, and take a deep look into the hope that a father has to gain closure on a 20-year cold case.

The Mad Butcher of Fayette County May 24, 2022

Show notes

Seven men disappeared under different circumstances. They are all believed to be victims of the same killer. Focused around the area of Oak Hill, a serial killer dubbed the 'Mad Butcher' performed two confirmed grisly murders, chopping one man into thirteen pieces. The Butcher's identity was never found, and as time passed the story became folklore of the region. Missing men who were never found became roped into the story, but are they really victims too? Historian and Mad Butcher case expert Scott Worley helps piece together what we do know about the killer in this episode.

Fame Cooper May 10, 2022

Show notes

A girl named after David Bowie's song of the same name, Fame Cooper was a Fairmont native with a rebellious spark. She went missing in 1990, after going out with some friends to an arcade in town. She was missing for four months before her body was finally found by hunters, and it has never been found out what happened during those months, or who murdered her. Join us as we dive into the case's details, and talk to her older sister Sunshine about who Fame was.

For the list of sources for this episode, visit our website www.wvnstv.com.

The Huntington Prom Night Murders Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

No justice has ever been given to four teenagers brutally murdered the night after the Huntington High School Prom. On May 22nd, 2005, Donte Ward, Eddrick Clark, Michael Dillon, and Megan Poston, who was only sixteen, were shot to death near Ward's home. It was never discovered how these four teens knew each other or why they were all four at the same place at almost three A.M. when they were murdered. The following investigation led to Detroit, to the drug trade, and all around the neighborhoods of Huntington, but never found or convicted a killer of the tragic crime.

For the list of sources for this episode, visit our website www.wvnstv.com.

Charlie Boone Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

Charles Boone was a popular and powerful businessman here in southern Appalachia in the 1980’s. His empire stretched from the likes of Pineville all the way to eastern Tennessee until the morning of March 14 1981, when his secretary found him dead in the hallway to his office. The case was reopened in 2001 by retired Lieutenant Tom Helton, and remains open today. Information is scarce, but there may still be hope that such a cold case could be cracked if at least one person has information previously unknown.

Dee Anne Keene Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

It's a case that's gone ice cold and left investigators with more questions than answers for the last eight years. Dee Ann Keene went missing without a trace on February 28th, 2014. She was last seen at the home of a reality tv star in Renick, Greenbrier County. Since she was reported missing, her family has searched tirelessly for answers. With each day that passes, the investigation grows colder - even with piles and piles of evidence.

For the list of sources for this episode, visit our website www.wvnstv.com.

The Sodder Family Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

It was Christmas Eve 1945.

All was calm and all was bright in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

But not at the Sodder house.

A fire broke out just after midnight destroying the home and any hope of a peaceful Christmas.

By morning, the Sodder house would be in ashes and a series of mysterious and baffling events would begin that is still drawing national attention to this day.

For the list of sources for this episode, visit our website www.wvnstv.com.