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A Morgantown man was charged with the murder of his grandchild’s mother.
Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer announced the arrest of Gary Donald Smith II, 60, Wednesday afternoon.
Smith was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Alexa Randolph.
Randolph, 32, was last seen Jan. 28 outside her apartment on Overdale Street, in Greenmont. She was reported missing later that day.
Her vehicle, a white Ford Escape, was found in the parking lot of Walmart on Hornbeck Road Jan. 29 and her body was discovered inside the cargo area of the car.
The medical examiner’s office in Charleston ruled the cause of death was homicide.
Palmer said Smith was picked up by deputies Wednesday. He said the suspect was cooperative and offered no resistance when placed under arrest.
The sheriff would not say if there are others involved in the murder because county deputies continue their investigation.
In a press release, Palmer said Smith is the paternal grandfather of Randolph’s young child.
“The investigation has shown that the victim’s vehicle was dropped off at the Walmart located at 75 Retail Circle at approximately 8:52 p.m. and the suspect left on foot,” according to the sheriff’s release.
Investigators are asking for help from anyone who may have seen someone walking Grafton Road the evening of Jan. 28. If you think you have information, call the Mon County Sheriff’s Detectives Division at 304-291-7218.
Palmer said Smith was arraigned by Magistrate Ron Bane and taken to North Central Regional Jail to await a preliminary hearing. Magistrates can not set bond on murder charges.
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