MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The second man charged in the drug-related killing of Morgantown resident Matt Moore is scheduled to go to trial in Monongalia County Circuit Court Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Cleotis “Ghost” Eppes, of Harper Woods, Michigan, allegedly shot Moore because he was missing drugs and money on Round Bottom Road on May 7, 2022. Eppes has been charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Detectives said a cell phone was found on Moore that belonged to Eppes. They had a conversation between the two about the missing drugs and money. According to the police, the conversations showed that Moore was upset with Moore over the situation.
Through the investigation, detectives learned Eppes and Moore were involved in a continuing conspiracy to bring drugs to the area for sale.
Detectives said they have phone records that put Eppes and the second suspect, Arlo Romano, in the area of Round Bottom Road where Moore was staying on the day of and near the time of the killing. Phone records also show Romano spoke to Moore just before the shooting.
Romano pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement and could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison.