JUNIOR, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A disturbing discovery has led to an animal cruelty charge in Barbour County after deputies found the skeletal remains of a dog inside a metal kennel on the porch of a residence in Junior.
According to the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies A. Williams and D. Boyce responded to a welfare check for animals at 242 Wilson Street on June 23, 2025. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the skeletal remains of a dog confined in a small metal kennel on the front porch.
Corporal J. Barcus was informed of the discovery the next day and visited the scene, where he met the current residents, Marvin and Sheila Davis. The couple stated they had moved into the home on November 29, 2024, and had discovered the dog’s remains inside the home at that time, already in an advanced state of decomposition. Sheila told officers she had reported the situation to her landlord but did not notify authorities.
Further investigation revealed that prior to the Davises moving in, the home had been occupied by Michael Jones and his then-fiancée, Barbara Ross. Records confirmed that Jones was arrested around August 2024, and Ross remained in the home with the dog, a 9-month-old Pit/Hound mix named Diesel.
On June 25, 2025, Corporal Barcus and an Elkins Police Department officer located Ross at her job in Elkins. After waiving her Miranda Rights, Ross admitted she had been caring for Diesel after Jones’ arrest. She claimed that when she moved to Randolph County later in 2024, she left the dog at the residence and asked Jones’ mother to retrieve him. Ross said she later learned the dog had died and asked that he be buried—something that never happened.
Authorities determined that Ross was responsible for Diesel’s care and neglected to ensure his safety and well-being, ultimately leading to his death.
Barbara Ross is now facing one charge of Cruelty to Animals.
