Kanawha County, West Virginia – A Kanawha County man has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for the 2021 killing of a woman whose body was later discovered dumped inside a well in the Sissonville area. The case, which drew significant attention due to its disturbing details and lengthy legal proceedings, concluded with a life sentence following a jury conviction.
Incident Overview
Michael Smith has been sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 15 years, in connection with the murder of Cheyenne Johnson. The sentencing follows Smith’s conviction for multiple charges tied to Johnson’s death and related crimes committed in 2021.
Johnson’s body was found inside a well on Monday, May 3, 2021, less than a week after she was reported missing. Investigators later determined that she had been shot and that efforts were made to conceal her body following the killing.
Timeline of Events
Johnson was reported missing in late April 2021, prompting an investigation by Kanawha County authorities. Within days, law enforcement located her body in a well in the Sissonville area, confirming foul play.
On the same day Johnson’s body was discovered, Michael Smith was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly admitting to killing her and dumping her body in the well. A co-defendant, Virginia Smith, was arrested several days later in connection with the case.
Court Verdict and Sentencing Details
Smith was found guilty on October 30, 2025, following a jury trial. He was present in court for his sentencing, escorted by multiple deputies and bailiffs.
The court imposed the following sentences:
- Life in prison for malicious assault, with parole eligibility after 15 years
- 40 years for second-degree murder, to be served consecutively, with credit for 143 days served
- 1 to 5 years for concealment of a dead body
- 5 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- 2 to 10 years for assault in the commission of a felony
All sentences were ordered to run consecutively, effectively ensuring Smith will remain incarcerated for decades.
Additional Criminal History Considered
The harsher penalties in Johnson’s murder case followed a December trial involving unrelated robberies. Prosecutors alleged Smith was involved in a series of robberies spanning from 1998 to 2004. During that one-day trial, several witnesses testified that they had direct dealings with Smith.
While the defense argued that the timeline was unclear, the jury ultimately concluded that Smith was responsible for those robberies, a factor that weighed into his sentencing considerations.
Statements Made During Sentencing
During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, a statement was read on Smith’s behalf describing his upbringing and personal struggles. The statement claimed Smith had a “hard life,” was adopted as a child, became addicted to drugs at a young age, and accused his parents of also being addicts. It further stated that Smith never graduated from high school and struggles as a convicted felon.
Despite his conviction, Smith continued to deny responsibility for Johnson’s death.
“I know you lost someone you cared about, but I had nothing to do with it,” Smith told Johnson’s family in court.
He claimed that his earlier admission was a “false confession” and maintained that Virginia Smith was responsible for the killing.
Co-Defendant’s Role and Sentencing
Authorities have stated that Michael Smith and Virginia Smith are not related, but were in an intimate relationship at the time of the homicide. A juvenile witness interviewed during the investigation reportedly told law enforcement they saw Virginia Smith shoot Johnson, according to statements made by officials at the time.
Virginia Smith pleaded guilty in 2023 to first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and concealment of a body. Due to the timing of Michael Smith’s trial, she was not sentenced until December 2, 2025. She received:
- Life in prison with mercy
- 1 to 5 years for her second charge
- 3 to 10 years for her third charge
She was also credited for time already served.
Victim Impact and Courtroom Conduct
During victim impact statements delivered by Johnson’s best friend, Jennifer McAfferty, and her brother, Justin Johnson, speaking on behalf of their father, Smith repeatedly made comments from the defense table. The judge ultimately ordered him to stop.
Conclusion
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to a case that has haunted Johnson’s family and the Kanawha County community for nearly four years. While Smith has stated his intention to appeal the sentence, the court’s ruling ensures long-term incarceration for his role in the events surrounding Cheyenne Johnson’s death.
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