PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. A Morgantown man has been indicted in a kidnapping and murder case that originated in Maryland and ended at a cabin in Preston County.
Andrew Wassick, 26, was indicted for kidnapping, concealment of a deceased human body, and conspiracy.
The investigation began with the kidnapping of Jimmy Barkley from Oakland, Maryland, in October 2021.
Wassick, Dashawn Scott, 25, and Roy Chesire, 20, allegedly stripped Barkley, tied him up, forced him into a vehicle, and drove to the cabin in Eglon.
Police said Barkley was turned over to an unknown male, who ordered the three suspects to find him. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire in the wooded area near the cabin shortly after.
On October 16, detectives in Garrett County received information about the shooting and found Barkley dead in the remote area.
In October, police conducted several operations in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and Morgantown, West Virginia, which resulted in the arrest of Damon Hudgens, 20, Darrell Pettaway, 31, both from Detroit, and Kathryn Rodriguez, 38, and Wassick on multiple drug charges.
Hudgens has been charged with first-degree murder.
Wassick is being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail without bond.