West Virginia Man Accused of Shooting Woman in the Head and Dumping Her in a Well Faces New Charges After Girlfriend Turns Witness
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA — A man accused of executing a woman with a rifle and concealing her body in a well is back in court this week after his girlfriend turned him in to police and later pleaded guilty to her role in the killing.
Michael Wayne Smith, 46, stands accused of murdering 35-year-old Cheyenne Johnson in 2021 and is now facing a new set of charges following a re-indictment earlier this year. His alleged co-defendant and girlfriend, Virginia Smith, 33, has already pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, concealment of a dead body, and use of a firearm during a felony.
Girlfriend Led Police to Body After Confession
Johnson was reported missing on April 29, 2021, after she vanished in Kanawha County. Police began investigating when a tipster told them that Michael and Virginia Smith had discussed Johnson’s death in front of a third person.
According to court documents obtained by the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, Virginia Smith initially denied knowing the victim — but later led detectives to the remote well where Johnson’s body was discovered on May 3, 2021.
During questioning, Michael Smith allegedly confessed to shooting Johnson in the head and disposing of her body using a belt and ratchet straps.
Motive and Gruesome Details Revealed
Investigators say the deadly encounter began when Johnson allegedly stole Virginia Smith’s car and later returned it, sparking a violent argument between the two women.
Michael Smith told police he intervened when Johnson pulled a knife, claiming he only wanted to disarm her. But as the confrontation escalated, he allegedly retrieved a rifle and shot her in the head, according to the criminal complaint.
Authorities believe Smith may have also stabbed Johnson before the fatal gunshot wound. The newly filed indictment adds charges of malicious assault and assault in the commission of a felony.
Charges and Trial Underway
Michael Smith now faces an extensive list of charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Concealment of a deceased human body
- Use and presentment of a firearm during a felony
- Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
- Malicious assault
- Assault during the commission or attempt of a felony
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial began Monday in Kanawha County Circuit Court, where prosecutors plan to use his confession and Virginia Smith’s testimony as key evidence.
Girlfriend’s Plea Deal May Seal His Fate
Virginia Smith’s cooperation was critical in the case. She accepted a plea deal in February 2023, admitting to her role in helping cover up the killing and concealing Johnson’s body.
Her testimony is expected to play a major role in the prosecution’s case against Michael Smith, who could face life in prison if convicted.
For more coverage of major crime trials and true crime updates, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.