Drugs Apparently Led To Murder Of Langloth Woman

July 9, 2025 2:55 am

State police say they have filed an arrest warrant for a West Virginia man accused of breaking into a Washington County home, fatally shooting a woman and injuring her son. Troopers say 37-year-old Michael Pyles of New Martinsville, is charged with homicide and attempted homicide, stemming from an overnight home invasion on June 16th in Smith Township.  State police said that several men dressed in all black clothing and wearing masks entered the home around 1:15 a.m. on Eleanor Street.  During an argument, troopers said one of the suspects shot 37-year-old Renee Gill, and her son, Ronald Brown. Gill was pronounced dead at the scene. Brown was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his hand.  Police say another male, a juvenile, was in the home at the time.  He told officers that the men took his cell phone.  The suspects fled the scene before troopers arrived.  State police said, at the time, the suspects most likely knew Gill, and they were correct.  State Police say Gill reportedly dealt drugs out of her home.  State Police said another male, identified as Walter Winland, was taken into custody.