INWOOD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A welfare check at a Berkeley County residence on January 23 uncovered a homicide, resulting in the arrest of a suspect, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department reported.
Deputies responded to 47 Contessa Court in Inwood at approximately 12:54 p.m. after 46-year-old John Bernard Offenstein failed to report to work or make contact with family or coworkers.
Upon arrival, Sgt. Ennis and Deputy Cox heard noises inside the home. When a man identified as 39-year-old Michael Allen Taylor answered the door, he claimed Offenstein was not present. However, as deputies searched the residence, Taylor tried to flee but was quickly apprehended.
Offenstein was found deceased in the basement with significant head trauma.
The scene was secured, and search warrants were obtained. The West Virginia State Police Crime Scene Team, alongside Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigators, assisted with evidence collection.
Taylor has been charged with murder and is currently held at Eastern Regional Jail awaiting arraignment.
Investigators will attend the autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.
