Preston Pierce was charged in connection with the murder of Gretchen Fleming in Wood County, W. Va.
Credit: Parkersburg Police Department
NEED TO KNOW
- Preston Pierce was extradited to West Virginia on Thursday, June 4 after being indicted in connection with the 2022 disappearance of 27-year-old Gretchen Fleming
- Pierce was indicted on first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and disposal of a deceased human body
- Pierce was allegedly a former police officer whose real name was Darrell Lott
A man was extradited to West Virginia after he was indicted in connection with the murder of a 27-year-old woman whose body was found in the woods after she was last seen leaving a bar with him.
Preston Pierce allegedly fled the state and was arrested on May 15 in Buncombe County, N.C., Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew E. Board said in a press release. Pierce, 58, waived his right to an extradition hearing, and was transferred back to West Virginia on Thursday, June 4.
A Wood County, W. Va. jury indicted Pierce on first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and disposal of a deceased human body in connection with the 2022 disappearance of Gretchen Fleming, according to Board's press release. Fleming, who was 27, was last seen at "a local establishment" in the early morning hours of Dec. 4, 2022, leaving behind her purse and wallet. She was reported missing after "failing to contact family or friends for just over a week," according to the statement.
Credit: Parkersburg Police Department
Fleming's remains were discovered in Wirt County, W. Va. in September 2025, according to Board's statement, and were identified through "extensive forensic testing." Investigators later determined that Fleming had left a local bar with Pierce just before her disappearance.
"The Parkersburg Police Department extends its deepest gratitude to the Fleming family for their faith, patience, and continued support throughout this process," the statement from police read. "Their strength, grace, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss have been truly remarkable."
Court records obtained by PEOPLE indicate that Pierce also went by the name Darrell Lott, and is currently being held without bail pending his next court appearance, which is yet to be scheduled.
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Pierce's birth name is allegedly Darrell Lott, and he was a former police officer, local outlet WCHS reports, citing the FBI and local law enforcement.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Parkersburg Police Department for updates.
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