Jody Lee Thomas, 41, was found shot to death in her home in the Ovapa community of Clay County, West Virginia, on the morning of October 7, 2017. State Police were called to the residence on Laurel Creek Road about 6:30 a.m.; investigators reported multiple shots had been fired inside the home. Her boyfriend, David Lanham, discovered the body.

Investigators quickly identified a person of interest as a male family member of David Lanham and later confirmed that person to be David’s 25-year-old son, Samuel Lanham. Family members said Samuel had a history of mental health issues and drug use. Authorities believed Samuel killed his father’s girlfriend and then stole Thomas’s car.

Later the same day Samuel Lanham was located in North Charleston, engaged law enforcement in a high-speed pursuit during which he reportedly fired at officers and brandished a shotgun. The chase ended in Charleston when his vehicle crashed and a shootout with officers resulted in Samuel Lanham’s death. No arrest was made in Thomas’s killing. Anyone who knew Jody Thomas or has information about her death is asked to come forward.