HINTON, WV (LOOTPRESS)— Two men are facing charges after investigators say they left a woman unresponsive inside her Hinton residence following heavy drug and alcohol use and made no effort to seek medical help before leaving the scene.
According to an affidavit filed by Patrolman K. Higginbotham of the Hinton Police Department, the case stems from the November 13, 2025 death of Lakesha Bonds at her home on 6th Avenue in Hinton. Higginbotham was assigned to complete the investigation following an initial report by Chief J. Crawford on the day of the incident.
The affidavit states that Steven Richmond went to Bonds’ residence between 1:45 and 2 a.m. to meet his wife, Samantha Richmond — also known as Sam Wilson — and to obtain and use narcotics. Richmond allegedly told investigators that Bonds was drinking alcohol and using drugs when he arrived, and that he also consumed alcohol and methamphetamine with her.
Multiple witnesses, including Richmond and Steven Raines, told police that Bonds regularly provided methamphetamine and fentanyl to people who stayed at her home or helped her with chores, according to the affidavit.
Witnesses Describe Heavy Intoxication
The investigation alleges that throughout the early morning hours, Bonds continued drinking vodka while also using methamphetamine and fentanyl. Raines reportedly told police that when he arrived, Bonds was intoxicated, emotional, and drinking directly from a bottle of vodka. He also admitted to using alcohol and methamphetamine inside the residence, the affidavit states.
Bonds’ roommate, Kayla Brown, confirmed that both Raines and Richmond were at the home during the early morning hours and that Bonds was drinking and using narcotics at the time. Brown said she later returned to her bedroom, which she described as her normal routine.
Police: Victim Asked to Be Checked On — But No Help Was Given
According to the affidavit, both Richmond and Raines said Bonds repeatedly went between the living room and her bedroom to prepare narcotics. Each time, she allegedly instructed the men that if she did not return within two minutes, they should check on her.
At around 4 a.m., Raines opened the bedroom door and saw Bonds lying face-down and unresponsive, the document states. Raines claimed he heard “snoring,” while Richmond said he did not and asked whether she was OK. Raines allegedly replied that she was sleeping.
Police say neither man attempted to wake Bonds, check her breathing, administer Narcan, or call 911 — despite their admitted prior experience with overdoses and Narcan use. Instead, both men left the residence together, leaving Bonds unresponsive inside the bedroom.
Theft Allegations
The affidavit states that before leaving, Raines stole narcotics and a cellphone belonging to Bonds. Investigators say Raines later falsely claimed the phone was his.
The phone was turned over to police by Amanda Childers, who identified herself as Raines’ ex-girlfriend and told investigators that Raines admitted stealing it and appeared more focused on obtaining narcotics than checking on Bonds’ welfare.
Richmond later told police he saw a newer Motorola phone in Raines’ bag and believed it was inconsistent with Raines’ financial means, further corroborating the theft allegation, according to the report. Childers also claimed the two men later joked about Bonds’ death and bragged about stealing her narcotics and phone.
Body Discovered Hours Later
Around noon to 1 p.m., Brown entered the bedroom after receiving no response from Bonds and found her deceased with signs consistent with rigor mortis, the affidavit states. She immediately contacted 911.
Charges Recommended
Based on the investigation, Higginbotham wrote that there is probable cause to charge both Raines and Richmond with:
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Failure to Render Aid Resulting in Death
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Petit Larceny (Raines)
The affidavit states both men admitted to long-term drug abuse and prior overdose experiences and acknowledged they could distinguish between a sleeping person and someone overdosing or deceased at close range.
