Human remains discovered last week in West Virginia have been identified as a woman who vanished in August.
Christa Merrill’s remains were found at a property in Harrison, as reported by West Virginia News. Police used an excavator during the investigation. Sheriff Robert Matheny II stated that the cause of Merrill’s death is still being looked into.
Merrill vanished on August 27, a day after she reportedly completed a urinalysis at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center.
Andrew Debolt’s property, where Merrill’s remains were found, was highlighted in the report by WDTV. Debolt had been previously apprehended in November 2024 for assault and has a history of dramatic encounters with law enforcement, such as a 2019 standoff that culminated in his arrest by U.S. Marshals.
Andrew Debolt, identified as a registered sex offender, has faced legal consequences for prior offenses. WDTV noted that he was previously sentenced to federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm despite his status as a sex offender.
It is unclear how Merrill and Debolt are connected. Matheny declined to provide additional details about this case, citing an ongoing investigation.
[Feature Photo: Clarksburg police]
