KOCH

ELKINS – Additional details have been released in reference to the arrest of a man alleged to have assisted the suspect in an ongoing murder investigation.

Christopher Warren Koch, 32, of Elkins, was arrested Tuesday and charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact. The charge is related to the homicide investigation of Spencer Christian Zoller, 49, of Elkins, which took place on Nov. 18.

Koch is incarcerated at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $20,000 cash-only bond, set by Randolph County Magistrate Ben Shepler.

According to a press release from Randolph County Sheriff Mark T. Brady, an investigation by deputies determined Koch was “instrumental” in assisting the murder suspect, Vanessa Logan, 32, in evading law enforcement.

Logan has not been apprehended by law enforcement and allegedly fled the scene – a Gum Road residence near Elkins – prior to arrival by police officers. Logan is described as being 5-foot, 7-inches tall, weighing 200 pounds and having brown hair and green eyes. She has ties to the Buckhannon area, according to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

Koch provided Logan transportation and assisted her a place to stay to avoid arrest. He further helped her secure items to change her personal appearance in an effort to further avoid detection, the release states.

Text message exchanges between Koch and Logan indicate he gave her a ride to Dollar General Store on the day of the alleged shooting so she could purchase hair dye.

While she has been a fugitive, Koch additionally attempted to provide Logan financial support using Walmart money exchange, according to a criminal complaint filed in Randolph County Magistrate Court.

Officers seized Koch’s cell phone and admitted to police he had been in contact with Logan since the alleged incident and attempted to wire her money.

“At this time, Vanessa Logan remains at large and is actively being sought for the murder of Spencer Zoller,” the release states. “As evidenced by this arrest, the sheriff’s office will seek prosecution of anyone identified as assisting Vanessa Logan while she remains a fugitive.”

Logan has not been located and anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office by calling 304-636-2000.

A motive for the shooting is unclear at this point, according to Brady; however, he said the incident is being investigated as a homicide.

Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. B.A. Talkington and Z.T. Pingley are investigating the incident. The West Virginia State Police, Elkins Police Department, United States Forest Service Law Enforcement and Randolph County EMS are assisting in the investigation.