Background: Kanawha County Circuit Court in Charleston, W.Va. (Google Maps). Inset: Michael Wayne Smith (Kanawha County Sheriff”s Office).
This week, a West Virginia man faces trial following his indictment on new charges related to the alleged murder of a woman whose body was disposed of in a well.
Michael Wayne Smith, 46, stands accused of the murder of 35-year-old Cheyenne Johnson. Her remains were discovered in a well several days after she was reported missing in April 2021. According to previous reports from Law&Crime, Smith allegedly confessed to shooting Johnson in the head and disposing of her body in the well. His confession came after police received a tip-off from his girlfriend, 33-year-old Virginia Smith.
Virginia Smith, who was charged as a co-defendant in the murder case, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, concealment of a body, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony in February 2023. Despite sharing the same last name, Michael and Virginia Smith are not related. Both were re-indicted earlier this year.
Details from a criminal complaint, accessed by the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, revealed that an informant overheard a conversation involving Michael Smith, Virginia Smith, and a third individual discussing Johnson’s death. In this conversation, Michael Smith allegedly admitted to the murder and the subsequent concealment of Johnson’s body in the well.
Authorities contacted Michael and Virginia Smith, with Virginia initially denying any knowledge of Johnson. Eventually, she led law enforcement to the well where Johnson’s body was located.
During police questioning, Michael Smith was informed of his rights and purportedly confessed to the crime. He claimed that Johnson had stolen his girlfriend’s car and, upon returning it, a confrontation ensued between Johnson and Virginia Smith. Michael Smith alleged that during the altercation, Johnson brandished a knife, which he attempted to seize.
According to police, Michael Smith said that as the argument escalated, he pushed her and struck her to get her to stop attacking his girlfriend. When Johnson would not let up, Michael Smith allegedly told police he got a rifle and threatened her with it. According to the complaint, he allegedly shot her in the head. He then allegedly disposed of her body in a deep water well using a belt and ratchet straps.
Johnson was reported missing on April 29, 2021. Her body was found on May 3, 2021.
According to local CBS and Fox affiliate WCHS, Michael Smith was also accused of stabbing Johnson before shooting her in the new indictment.
Michael Smith is charged with first-degree murder, concealment of a deceased human body, use and presentment of a firearm during the commission of a felony, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, malicious assault, and assault in the commission of or attempt to commit a felony. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial begins in Kanawha County Circuit Court on Monday.
Matt Naham contributed to this story.
