(Staff Photo/JESSICA HATFIELD)
Roger Stroud, being escorted by Sgt, Joe Smith and Sgt. James Muncy of the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Oct. 1. Stroud is charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Vadie “Michelle” Stroud.
Stroud allegedly confessed to police that he shot his estranged wife, 29-year-old Vadie “Michelle” Stroud of Kermit, on Sept. 21, 2009.
According to the criminal complaint filed by the Mingo County Sheriffs Department, Stroud drove his wife to Kermit Coal, a remote location, and the two began to argue. The complaint states that Roger Stroud walked to his truck, put on a pair of gloves, got his .357 revolver and shot his wife several times.
Stroud then loaded the body of his wife into a refrigerator, which was already in the back of his truck.
Stroud then took the refrigerator and disposed of it over a hill at Newsome Ridge.
Police charged Roger Stroud with first-degree murder and concealment of a deceased human body.
Circuit Court Judge Michael Thornsbury denied Stroud bond. He will remain in Southwestern Regional Jail until his trial date.
Mingo County Prosecu-ting Attorney Michael Sparks said it was no surprise to the state that Stroud waived his rights to a preliminary hearing.
“We discussed the case last week openly and had a candid professional discussion about the evidence,” said Sparks.
Sparks said he hopes the case is heard when the grand jury convenes in January.
“We want to expedite the case as quickly as possible,” said Sparks. “There are various examinations of evidence and complex reports to be filed by the State Police Forensic Lab before the case can be heard.”
“These will include biochemistry (DNR) t-mark (weapons testing) and latent prints (finger prints).”
Sparks has also met with Mrs. Stroud’s family, whom he said were grief stricken by the loss of their loved one.
“They are going through a grieving process and need time to heal,” said Sparks. “We met as a courtesy to explain and answer questions on the case, I anticipate meeting with them again during the next couple of months to discuss the case further.”
Public Defenders Steven Johnston Knopp and Teresa McCune will be representing Stroud.
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