Editor’s note: This story was updated on Saturday, March 11 to add the name of the deceased.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Department is conducting a homicide investigation into the death of a 75-year-old man in southern Morgan County, with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police Crime Scene Unit. Sheriff K.C. Bohrer said deputies were called to a residence on Clear Spring Lane off Pine Grove Road around 2:20 p.m. on Friday, March 10 for the report of a deceased person. According to Sheriff Bohrer, police were told the deceased man’s girlfriend had not been able to contact him on Thursday or Friday, so she traveled to his home to check on him and found him dead.
On Saturday, March 11, Sheriff Bohrer identified the man as Geoffrey Thomas Reed, 75.
Preliminary indications are that Reed died as a result of severe blunt force trauma, said Bohrer. The man was found inside his home, which is situated in a wooded area. He lived in the residence alone, the sheriff said. Police have spoken with nearby neighbors as part of the investigation. No other injuries have been reported at this time. Bohrer would not identify the homicide victim on Friday evening, pending notification of family or next of kin.
Sheriff Bohrer said police are interested in any information about suspicious activity in the area of Clear Spring Lane on Thursday, March 9 or Friday, March 10. Investigators are also in search of anyone in the area who has video surveillance they could review.
Bohrer said police don’t have any suspects at this time, but they do not believe there is a risk to public safety.
Lt. Seth Place is the lead investigator on the case. Sheriff Bohrer and Chief Deputy Johnnie Walter are assisting in the case. The K9 team from Frederick County, Virginia assisted local law enforcement in search wooded areas in conjunction with the homicide investigation.
Bohrer said a post-mortem examination of the body will be conducted on Monday.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 304-258-1067.
