Two Face Trial In Smith Township Homicide

Preliminary hearings were scheduled for two men that are accused of killing 37 year old Renee Gill of Smith Township over a robbery that went bad back in June. Walter Winland, 38 of Canonsburg and Michael Pyles, 38 of New Martinsville, West Virginia will have their cases heard in common pleas court. Both men face homicide, robbery and aggravated assault charges among others. Winland waived his case to court, Pyles had a full hearing. Testimony began with the victim’s son Ronald Brown who said he was playing video games in his room when he thought he heard Gill call for help. He emerged finding two men dressed in black, one of them struggling with Gill. When Brown attempted to aid his mother, a gun fired and a bullet went through Brown’s wrist. He described a chaotic scene and hearing his mother say “Ronnie, I’ve been shot.” He also testified to his mother calling out “Walt” and hearing one of the men saying “Where, where, where”. Second to testify was the co-defendant Walter Winland. He described the events of the day where he met up with Pyles to rob Gill of drugs. He described going to Pyles’ father’s house to retrieve a gun. His testimony described how they changed into all black clothing before entering Gill’s home. Winland described the chaotic scene and how he directed Pyles to where the drugs were stored. Under cross examination, Winland disclosed that he is cooperating with the prosecution in the case, but received no special treatment. Ultimately, all charges were held for court against Pyles. Both men are being held in the Washington County Jail without bond. Both men will be formally arraigned on October 24.