A man accused of killing a West Virginia woman who disappeared after leaving a bar with him has been extradited back to the state to face charges.
Suspect Returned to West Virginia
Preston Pierce, 58, has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and concealment of a deceased human body in the death of 27-year-old Gretchen Fleming.
Authorities recently extradited him from North Carolina after his arrest near Asheville.
Woman Disappeared After Leaving Bar
Fleming was last seen on Dec. 4, 2022, leaving the My Way Lounge in downtown Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Police said she left the bar with Pierce and left her purse and wallet behind. She was reported missing eight days later.
Remains Found Nearly Three Years Later
After years of investigation, authorities discovered human remains in September 2025 in a wooded area in Wirt County, about 20 miles south of Parkersburg.
The remains were later identified as Fleming.
Awaiting Court Appearance
Investigators previously said Pierce admitted Fleming had been in his vehicle around the time she disappeared but later declined to provide further details.
He is currently being held in West Virginia pending arraignment in Wood County Circuit Court.
