Two Arrested In Virginia In Connection With Mingo County Murder

Police in Virginia have made two arrests in connection with a brutal Mingo County Murder.

Roland Stafford, believed to be about 70-years-old, was found murdered in his home in Taylorsville two weeks ago.

West Virginia State Police in Mingo County said Stafford was tied up in his home and brutally murdered.

Police had been searching for Stafford’s truck as part of the investigation, and on Wednesday it was found abandoned in a hidden wooden area in Tazewell County, Va.

Police in Tazewell County have arrested and charged Billy Eugene Mitchem and his girlfriend Melissa Cochran with grand larceny. Police said they could face additional charges, and others could be arrested as well.

Mitchem was found hiding in the closet of a house in Tazewell County, police said.

Police said they have not been charged with murder, but they are considering Mitchem a suspect.

Four West Virginia State Troopers are in Virginia, and said Stafford’s truck will be brought to W.Va. on Friday for further investigation.

Stafford was last seen on Dec. 17, and was found five days later. Investigators said they believe the murder was drug related