Bizarre West Virginia crime story involves grave robbing, arson, and a disappearance

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In 1981, Jerry Miller, a 40-year-old car dealership owner in Shinnston, West Virginia, disappeared. Two days later, police found a burned car with a corpse inside, which was later identified as 21-year-old Timothy Fitzwater, who had died earlier that year in a motorcycle accident. Authorities also arrested Miller, who had changed his appearance, and charged him with fraud. As the investigation continued, two other men were arrested and charged with disinterring a human body, and Miller's sister and wife were indicted on arson charges.

Why it matters

This bizarre case highlights the lengths some individuals will go to in order to escape their problems, even resorting to criminal acts like grave robbing and arson. It also showcases the tenacity of law enforcement in unraveling complex cases and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The details

According to the report, Miller, who was facing financial and marital troubles, told an accomplice, Harry Wiant, that he wanted to fake his own death. The two men then allegedly burned a car with Fitzwater's body inside, making it appear as if Miller had died. However, the plan unraveled when authorities discovered the body was not Miller's, and they were able to track him down hiding in a Morgantown tavern.

• On August 17, 1981, police discovered a burned car with a corpse inside in Shinnston.
• Two days later, on August 19, 1981, police found Miller, who had changed his hair color, hiding in a Morgantown tavern.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant Jerry Miller bail as the investigation into the grave robbing and arson continues.