SUSPECT ARRESTED IN WIRT MURDERS - Victims Identified, Ten-Month-Old Child Safe

(04/03/2005)
Police identified a trail of blood leading down the asphalt of State Route 14 early Friday morning in Wirt County, following the discovery of Russell Ray Eastham's body in a ditch by a motorist.

A 200-yard blood trail connected the body to a residence, which was located a few miles from the Roane County line between Lucille and Palestine, not far from the home place of Jessica Lynch.

A second murder victim was discovered at the site, identified in magistrate court records as Sylvia L. Fittro. A crying ten-month-old child was found next to Fittro, unharmed. The infant has been sent to family services.

Authorities indicated the couple had been dead about five or six hours.

The relationship between Eastham and Fritto is yet to be released.

Forty-five-year-old Wirt County resident Roger Flinn of Elizabeth has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He is being held without bond in North Central Regional Jail until a hearing can be held in Wood County Circuit Court, where bond must be set in all capital cases.

He was described as a 240 pound male, six feet tall.

Flinn was arrested about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the discovery of the bodies.

A police complaint filed in magistrate court said Daniel Neptune, no age or address available, provided a sworn statement Friday that he was present and a witness when Flinn allegedly kicked in the door to gain access to the residence of Eastham and Fittro.

The complaint indicated that upon gaining access, Flinn allegedly shot and killed the man and woman.

Both victims have been transported to the West Virginia Medical Examiner's office for autopsies.