West Virginia – In a harrowing series of events in West Virginia that resulted in a double homicide and arson, a 42-year-old father named J. Morrow is now facing murder and arson charges for 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, Britney B., and her 57-year-old mother, Erma B. Following the murders, he was charged with first-degree arson for setting fire to his home. The grim discovery was made on December 15, bringing a violent end to what neighbors described as a peaceful neighborhood.
The events began around 7:54 p.m. on Sunday, according to surveillance footage captured by a neighbor’s camera, which showed Morrow arriving at his home. He was seen leaving the house shortly after, 28 minutes later, and a glow from the house indicated that a fire was starting.
Morrow reportedly dropped off his 1-year-old daughter at a friend’s house at 9:42 p.m., stating that he needed someone to care for her because people were attempting to “put him in jail” and ominously remarked that they were “all gone” and went up in a “blaze.”
At 10:40 p.m., firefighters arrived at the scene and discovered the women’s bodies among the rubble of the burned-down home. Both bodies had multiple stab wounds and blood stains, so authorities quickly declared the deaths homicides. The neighbors’ quick response, as well as evidence gathered from surveillance footage, were critical in piecing together the events of the night.
Police increased their efforts after an Amber Alert was issued to find Morrow’s daughter, who was believed to be in danger. Fortunately, the child was discovered unharmed at a friend’s home, where her father had abandoned her. This discovery brought some relief amidst the tragic circumstances.
Morrow was apprehended before dawn on Friday, approximately 20 miles north of the crime scene, after a tip-off about his whereabouts. His criminal record includes a prior conviction for second-degree murder in 2001, for which he was sentenced to 40 years in prison before being released on parole in 2017.
Morrow is currently being held in jail without bail and has a court appearance scheduled for Monday. While he faces charges for murder and arson, it is unclear whether additional charges for his daughter’s abduction will be pursued, although the investigation is ongoing.
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 told me.
For the families involved, the legal process may provide some closure, but the loss and trauma are irreversible. As Morrow awaits his trial, the community and victims’ families hope that justice will be served comprehensively, bringing some sense of closure to this heinous episode.