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Wheeling Police Search For Answers In Murder Of Moundsville Teenager

Photo Provided Local investigations continue in the death of 15-year-old Kyle Jerry Dale Morgan.

WHEELING — Although eight months have passed since a 15-year-old Moundsville boy was found dead under the Fort Henry Bridge in Wheeling, local investigators are still looking for tips related to the case.

Kyle Jerry Dale Morgan’s body was discovered beneath the Fort Henry Bridge on June 16. Authorities later identified the body as Morgan’s, while revealing that he died of blunt force trauma. A coroner ruled the manner of Morgan’s death as homicide.

Morgan’s father, Dale Morgan, came to the Moundsville Police Department on June 17 to report his son missing. The following day at 2 p.m., the Wheeling Police Department responded to a report of a body of a young man found dead beneath the Fort Henry Bridge, later identified to be Kyle Morgan.

Sharon Louise Leach, 68, of Moundsville, a head nurse at Reynolds Memorial Hospital, faced charges of obstructing an investigation, possession of a Schedule II narcotic and contributing to the delinquency of a minor in August.

On July 18, a female juvenile came to the Moundsville department with information regarding Kyle Morgan. This person said her ex-boyfriend had been contacted by Morgan asking for a ride to Wheeling to the bus station as he was going to visit his mother in Kentucky.

According to the complaint, Morgan offered the male juvenile $20 and marijuana in exchange for the ride. The unidentified male juvenile then asked Leach, one of his relatives, to take the three teens to Wheeling and she agreed. Leach and the three teens then reportedly traveled to Wheeling, where they dropped Kyle Morgan off at the former bus terminal near WesBanco Arena.

According to Marshall County Magistrate documents, Leach entered an Alford Kennedy plea for the contributing to the delinquency of a minor charge Nov. 2, meaning she didn’t not admit guilt. Magistrate David Buzzard suspended Leach’s possible 30-day jail sentence, instead sentencing Leach to six months of probation. Buzzard dismissed Leach’s charges for allegedly obstructing an officer and possessing a controlled substance.

According to Detective Rob Safreed of the Wheeling Police Department, police in the city have not made any arrests, but are open to any tips from the public.

“We can’t really say what the nature of them were, but we did receive a few tips from a few different people and we’re still very much interested in any information that the public can provide. Even if they think it’s very small, that could be the key to the case,” Safreed said. “It’s been eight months with no arrests and no suspects have been considered. We’re still seeking the public’s help if they have anything. We’re still very actively working on it and will follow any tip that we get.”

Moundsville Police Chief Thomas Mitchell said his department is also still working on the case. The Moundsville department is in possesion of Morgan’s phone for investigative purposes, which was recovered at Leach’s home.

“We’re still investigation and looking for information, hoping someone will come forward. A couple piece s of the puzzle are missing,” Mitchell said. “No detail is too small. We’ve pieced together how he made it to Wheeling, but someone from Moundsville may know more…

“I’m proud of the work my officers have done. It’s unfortunate that it has not come to a resolution, as we would like to find who the killer is. They have exhausted their efforts.”

Safreed said all tips should be forwarded to him by calling 304-234-3882 or sending a message to rsafreed@wheelingpd.com. The Moundsville Police Department can be reached at 304-845-1611.

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