Man indicted on murder, kidnapping charges in disappearance of Gretchen Fleming

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WCHS)— A person who has lengthy been an individual of curiosity in the disappearance of Wood County, W.Va., lady greater than three years in the past was indicted Friday by a grand jury in the case.

Preston Pierce, 58, was indicted by a Wood County grand jury on charges of first-degree homicide, felony homicide, concealment of a useless physique and kidnapping in the 2022 disappearance of 27-year-old Gretchen Fleming.

“Our investigation from the onset quickly determined Mr. Pierce was the last person Gretchen was known to be seen with,” Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board mentioned. “As the investigation proceeded, it revealed Mr. Pierce was a person of interest. Over the next three-and-a-half years, he was unrelenting.”

Records present Pierce was apprehended Friday in Asheville, North Carolina, and is being held in Buncombe County Detention Center awaiting extradition again to West Virginia.

Investigators confirmed Friday that remains found in the Palestine area of Wirt County in 2025 had been that of Fleming.

Fleming was final seen leaving a bar on Juliana Street in downtown Parkersburg on Dec. 4, 2022, however she was not reported missing until Dec. 12.

The delay got here as Fleming was splitting time residing with completely different kinfolk who didn’t notice she was gone. The investigation has since continued with the Parkersburg Police Department vowing to not let the case go cold.

Investigators discovered Fleming’s purse and cellphone in the weeks after her disappearance however had been unable to seek out proof to make them a suspect.

FBI and native regulation enforcement searched multiple properties belonging to Piercea former cop who modified his identify from Darrell Lott. The man had been recognized as an individual of curiosity in the case, however was by no means charged.

Parkersburg police mentioned in January 2023 Pierce advised them Fleming was in his automobile across the time she went lacking however then declined to remark additional.

Investigators search properties belonging to Preston Pierce. (WCHS)

Board thanked the Fleming household on Friday for his or her endurance throughout the yearslong investigation.

“From my heart, I want to thank the Fleming family,” the police chief mentioned. “It’s an arduous process. The faith they have shown throughout the course of this, not just the investigation but the tragedies that have happened on the periphery of this. The patience they’ve shown over three-and-a-half years and their support of us and faith in us is more appreciative than I can put into words.”

Records say Pierce is scheduled for a courtroom look on May 18.