Morgantown Man Accused of Killing Ex-Girlfriend in 2024

Testimony begins in first-degree murder trial of Joseph Nevera, who allegedly killed Kimberly Osborne after a history of domestic violence.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:03pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken bone fragment or other physical evidence from the crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the violent nature of the crime.Forensic evidence from the Kimberly Osborne murder case exposes the grim reality of domestic violence.Morgantown Today

Joseph Nevera, 52, is on trial for the first-degree murder of his former girlfriend Kimberly Osborne, 48, whose skeletal remains were found in a shallow grave seven months after she went missing on Mother's Day 2024. Prosecutors say Nevera had a documented history of domestic violence against Osborne, including an incident where he strangled her until she lost consciousness.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the challenges victims often face in leaving abusive relationships, even when there is a documented history of violence. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

The details

Prosecutors say Osborne was in the process of breaking off her relationship with Nevera for good when she went missing on May 12, 2024. Her skeletal remains were later discovered by a hunter, and authorities determined she had suffered a broken nose and a fractured vertebrae in her neck. Nevera was arrested and charged with first-degree murder days later. Osborne's mother testified that she had witnessed Nevera in fits of rage, slamming his head against a wall during arguments, and that Osborne would often tell her not to say anything to Nevera when he was in a bad mood.

  • On May 12, 2024, Kimberly Osborne went missing.
  • Seven months later, Osborne's skeletal remains were discovered by a hunter.
  • Days after the discovery, police arrested Joseph Nevera and charged him with first-degree murder.

The players

Joseph Nevera

A 52-year-old Morgantown resident who is on trial for the first-degree murder of his former girlfriend, Kimberly Osborne.

Kimberly Osborne

A 48-year-old Morgantown woman who was killed in 2024. Her skeletal remains were found in a shallow grave seven months after she went missing.

Rose

Kimberly Osborne's mother, who testified about witnessing Nevera's history of domestic violence against her daughter.

Gabrielle Mucciola

The Monongalia County prosecuting attorney handling the case against Joseph Nevera.

Christopher Wilson

The attorney representing Joseph Nevera in his first-degree murder trial.

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What they’re saying

“You aren't going to hear evidence of a bloody crime scene. There's no weapon. What this case is about, is a documented history of domestic violence.”

— Gabrielle Mucciola, Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney

“May 12, 2024 is the day that brings us here today. But that's not where the story ends. This is a story about relationships.”

— Christopher Wilson, Attorney for Joseph Nevera

“I said, 'Honey, he's going to hurt you some day.'”

— Rose, Kimberly Osborne's mother

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue into next week as more testimony is heard.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of domestic violence and the need for better systems to protect victims, even when there is a documented history of abuse. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent tragic outcomes.