A 21-year-old man was arrested Friday after investigators said he viciously beat his pregnant girlfriend in rural Jackson County, leaving her unconscious in a wooded area, believing she was dead. Logan Willis of Oak Hill, West Virginia, was arraigned Friday evening in Jackson County Magistrate Court on charges of attempted murder, malicious assault, and strangulation, Sheriff Ross Mellinger confirmed.
“He thought he had killed her and left her for dead. As a matter of fact, when he called 911, that was one of the first things he said was, ‘you know I just had an altercation, I beat this girl and I think I killed her,’” Mellinger stated.
According to the sheriff, Willis admitted to investigators that the victim had stopped breathing during the assault, prompting him to drag her to a wooded area near Kenna before fleeing the scene. The woman was later discovered and rushed to CAMC General Hospital for emergency treatment.
Mellinger said Willis drove to a nearby gas station and called 911, confessing to the violent attack. The criminal complaint described the victim as having “numerous serious injuries consistent with a life-altering beating.”
“The number of times that she was stricken, you know, clearly it wasn’t an accident, you know. It’s repetitive, over and over, and over, kicked, beaten, strangled, you know this was above and beyond simply losing your temper,” Mellinger emphasized.
Authorities have not released the victim’s current condition as of Friday night. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges possible as forensic evidence is processed. Willis is currently being held without bond at the South Central Regional Jail. Court records indicate he has no prior felony convictions in West Virginia.
Community members expressed shock over the brutality of the attack, with local advocates calling for stricter protections for domestic violence victims. This level of violence, especially against a pregnant woman, is horrifying,” said Sarah Reynolds, director of a nearby women’s shelter.
“We urge anyone in an abusive relationship to seek help immediately.” A preliminary hearing is expected next week as prosecutors prepare their case.