KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — A man has been arrested in North Carolina and charged with first-degree murder following a homicide investigation that began after a body was discovered inside a burning vehicle in Kanawha County.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first called to the 300 block of Cabin Creek Road on June 14 after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle. The caller told authorities the vehicle’s doors were open and personal items appeared to be scattered around the area.
A short time later, emergency dispatchers received another call reporting that the same vehicle was on fire.
Firefighters responded and extinguished the blaze. While examining the scene, first responders discovered a deceased person inside the vehicle.
Investigators said an autopsy was conducted by the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office, which determined the death was the result of a homicide. Officials have not released the specific manner of death.
The victim has not yet been formally identified, though investigators believe the deceased may be an adult male based on preliminary observations.
Authorities announced that Harold Patterson was later arrested in Scotland County, North Carolina, and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the case.
Patterson is currently being held without bond at the Scotland County Detention Center pending a court appearance.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office said additional details are being withheld while the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 304-357-0556 or submit a tip through the department’s website.
The investigation remains ongoing.
