Bluefield, West Virginia — A Virginia mother of three who relocated to West Virginia for what she believed was a fresh start and a new job opportunity was allegedly lured into a deadly situation by a man she trusted, according to investigators.
Authorities say 37-year-old Angel Whitaker left her home in Bristol, Virginia, in January 2026 after being offered an assistant manager position at an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Bluefield by Donald Pennington, 59, a man she had previously worked with and become romantically involved with.
Mother Relocated After Alleged Job Offer
According to investigators, Whitaker first met Pennington in 2018 while working at an auto shop in Bristol. Their relationship reportedly developed over the years before Pennington allegedly convinced her to move more than 100 miles away for a new opportunity.
After relocating to West Virginia, Whitaker reportedly moved in with Pennington. However, investigators say the relationship soon became troubled.
Family members later told police that Whitaker had become increasingly unhappy with the living situation and had moved into a hotel in Princeton in an attempt to create distance from Pennington.
By April, her loved ones reportedly lost contact with her entirely.
Family Reports Woman Missing
Whitaker was officially reported missing by her sister, Angela, on May 4, after weeks without communication.
Investigators say Whitaker was last seen on April 17, 2026, when she allegedly arrived at work intoxicated. According to Pennington, he drove her home that day and later claimed she disappeared after he returned from work.
As investigators searched for answers, the case took a dramatic turn when Pennington’s ex-girlfriend came forward with disturbing allegations.
Ex-Girlfriend Makes Chilling Claim to Investigators
On May 12, the woman reportedly met with investigators and delivered a chilling statement.
“You’re not going to find her, he murdered her.”
According to investigators, the ex-girlfriend told police that Whitaker and Pennington had been arguing frequently in the weeks before Whitaker vanished.
She also claimed Pennington previously told her he had left work on April 17 because Whitaker was involved in an argument with a family member and had allegedly made threats toward him.
The ex-girlfriend said Pennington later met her at a mall and described what allegedly happened next.
Investigators Detail Alleged Killing
According to the criminal complaint, the ex-girlfriend told investigators Pennington claimed he “snapped” during the confrontation.
She alleged he picked Whitaker up by the throat and choked her until she stopped breathing.
Investigators also say Pennington allegedly showed the ex-girlfriend a photo of Whitaker’s body that had been taken using the victim’s phone.
Authorities further alleged that Pennington attempted to destroy evidence by soaking Whitaker’s phones in bleach and destroying the SIM cards.
Search for Victim’s Body Continues
The investigation expanded further when the ex-girlfriend allegedly told police she accompanied Pennington to a Lowe’s store in Bluefield, Virginia, where he purchased multiple bags of concrete.
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She claimed the pair later traveled to Bastian, Virginia, where Pennington allegedly buried Whitaker’s body.
The woman later guided investigators to the suspected burial location. Virginia State Police deployed cadaver dogs to the area, but Whitaker’s remains have not yet been found.
Investigators also stated the ex-girlfriend handed over her phone and admitted deleting messages allegedly connected to the case.
Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
Pennington was arrested on May 13 and is currently being held at the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a body.
Whitaker leaves behind three children — 18-year-old Braiden, 17-year-old Daizy and 12-year-old Christopher — as her family continues seeking justice and support through a GoFundMe campaign established to help cover funeral expenses.
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