INWOOD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A welfare check at a Berkeley County home led to the discovery of a homicide and the arrest of a suspect on Thursday afternoon, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies responded to 47 Contessa Court in Inwood around 12:54 p.m. on January 23 after the victim, John Bernard Offenstein, 46, failed to report to work or contact anyone.
Upon arrival, Sgt. Ennis and Deputy Cox heard noises inside the home, prompting them to investigate further.
A man, later identified as Michael Allen Taylor, 39, answered the door and told deputies that Offenstein was not home.
However, as deputies proceeded to search the residence, Taylor attempted to flee out the front door but was quickly apprehended.
Deputies then discovered Offenstein deceased in the basement with head trauma.
Authorities secured the scene and obtained search warrants before calling in the Criminal Investigation Division.
Additional investigators, including the West Virginia State Police Crime Scene Team and the BCSO Crime Scene Team, assisted with processing evidence.
Taylor was charged with murder and taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
Investigators plan to attend the autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy Jenkins at 304-267-7000.
