Bluefield, West Virginia — A tragic case involving a missing woman who relocated for what she believed was a new job opportunity has now led to murder charges after authorities discovered her remains in a wooded area.
Investigators say the case centers around a West Virginia man accused of killing a woman after convincing her to move and live with him under the promise of employment.
Woman Reportedly Moved After Job Offer
According to court records, Donald Ray Pennington has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a deceased human body. Authorities said he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The investigation began after concerns grew over the disappearance of Angel Whitaker, a woman from Bluefield, West Virginia, who had reportedly not been heard from since mid-April.
Reports state that Whitaker met Pennington while working at an auto parts store in Bristol, Virginia.
According to investigators, Pennington allegedly offered Whitaker a position as an assistant manager, which eventually led her to move to West Virginia and stay with him.
At first, the move appeared to be a fresh opportunity and a chance for a new start. However, family members later became alarmed when communication with Whitaker suddenly stopped.
Family Became Concerned After Contact Ended
Authorities said Whitaker’s relatives in Virginia eventually reported her missing after they were unable to reach her.
During the investigation, detectives reportedly reviewed Whitaker’s Facebook messages and spoke with individuals familiar with the relationship between the pair.
According to reports citing the criminal complaint, investigators learned that the relationship between Whitaker and Pennington had allegedly begun deteriorating before her disappearance.
Whitaker’s sister later told police that Angel had stayed in a hotel at one point in an effort to distance herself from Pennington.
The disturbing details raised further concerns for investigators as they attempted to determine what had happened to the missing woman.
Authorities Discover Body in Wooded Area
The search ultimately ended with a heartbreaking discovery.
Authorities located Whitaker’s body in a wooded area in Bastian, Virginia, less than 20 miles from Bluefield.
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Investigators have not publicly released many additional details regarding how Whitaker died or what evidence directly led to the charges against Pennington.
However, the discovery of her remains resulted in the criminal charges now filed against him.
The case has shocked both communities connected to the investigation, especially those who knew Whitaker as a mother trying to create a better future for herself and her children.
Victim Leaves Behind Three Children
As the criminal case moves forward, Whitaker’s loved ones are also dealing with the emotional and financial burden left behind by her death.
Her son, Braiden Cross, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses for his mother.
Whitaker was the mother of three children, according to the fundraiser.
“My siblings and I are all very young and we simply cannot afford the funeral expenses on our own,” Cross wrote in the campaign description.
The heartbreaking statement has drawn sympathy from many people following the case online.
Authorities have not announced when Pennington is expected to appear in court again as the investigation continues.
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