Interesting comments under WPD's post, especially the one by A.K.
WPD's 25 Apr 2021 post regarding "several arrests" has interesting comments as well.
Williamson Police Department
28 Apr 2021
k Update Re: Charles "Chuck" Taylor
The WPD would like to address the derogatory remarks that have been made on various social media platforms aimed towards the WPD and it's affiliates. First and foremost, this case was our number one priority prior to the case being transferred to the WVSP. There have been many accusations made that the WPD, along with the Mayor, have committed an act of wrongdoing by not allowing the case to be solved, which is simply untrue. They have been accusations that the WPD has arrested Mr. Taylor this is untrue. In addition, the WPD has never been asked nor told by any agency, prosecutor, etc., to relinquish the case. The WPD requested that the case be transferred to the WVSP after all leads had been exhausted. The WPD, as well as other agencies, worked tirelessly and diligently to locate Mr. Taylor, and felt that the WVSP would be able to broaden the scope of the investigation outside of this city's jurisdiction.
From day one, the WPD followed every procedure and protocol to find Mr. Taylor and bring him back home. After Mr. Taylor's girlfriend filed the missing persons report, the WPD began investigating Mr. Taylor's disappearance immediately. Multiple searches were conducted by local agencies as well as community searches, all of which were covered by news stations to broaden the information. Any tip or lead that the WPD received was thoroughly looked into, including but not limited to, someone stating that they dreamed of what happened to Mr. Taylor. All persons of interest were immediately interviewed and questioned. The WVSP, at the request of the WPD, conducted a polygraph examination on a person of interest with no findings.
Allegations were made that Mr. Taylor was murdered at a residence located in Williamson, WV. Prior to officers arrival, individuals kicked in the door of the residence of where Mr. Taylor was allegedly murdered (breaking & entering) and attempted to investigate the incident. These actions hindered the ongoing investigation and contaminated any potential evidence. Said individuals may be facing possible charges regarding the B&E. After Officers received consent from the home owner to search said residence, they collected evidence from both inside and outside of the home. The evidence was properly collected, bagged, and labeled accordingly, then immediately transferred from the WPD to the WVSP Crime Lab. At no time was the chain of custody broken as alleged. Although the WPD was hopeful for a break in the case, the lab results concluded that "No human DNA was found" on any of the evidence submitted.
We understand that this is a highly sensitive case, but misleading information will only hinder any investigation from moving forward. Statements made that someone is a murderer with no evidence puts a substantial risk of injury to that person. The WPD has devoted every resource, all of their manpower (both on and off duty), and given out their personal cell phone numbers, all of which is not required. Officers exchanged hours of communication between anyone that could help solve this case. Citizens of Williamson, including the Mayor, assisted officers with the ongoing search for Mr. Taylor, even wading through sewage. We urge people not to listen to misleading information and to allow the WVSP to continue this investigation Our prayers go out to the family that one day the incident to Mr. Taylor missing will be solved. If anyone has any credible information concerning the incident please contact the proper authorities handling the case thank you.
