Nicholas County, West Virginia – A woman who admitted to helping her boyfriend shoot another woman and then ratchet-strap her body into a deep well has learned her fate in a case that shocked the region.
Virginia Smith, 33, received life with mercy for her role in the killing of 35-year-old Cheyenne Johnson, whose body was discovered in a water well on Smith’s property in 2021. Smith pleaded guilty last year to first-degree murder, concealment of a dead body, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony. Her sentencing comes months after she testified against her former boyfriend, 46-year-old Michael Smith, helping secure his conviction for second-degree murder in October.
What Led to the Deadly Confrontation
According to investigators, the violence unfolded on April 29, 2021, following an escalating dispute involving a stolen vehicle. Johnson was accused of taking Smith’s car but returned it later that day. A confrontation broke out between Johnson and Virginia Smith, eventually turning physical. Johnson reportedly pulled out a knife during the altercation.
Michael Smith later told police he armed himself with a rifle after Johnson refused to leave and continued to confront Virginia. He admitted to shooting Johnson in the head during the argument. Local reporting confirmed that Virginia testified Michael had also ordered her to shoot Johnson before he pulled the trigger.
Juvenile Witness Confirms Key Details
During Michael Smith’s trial, the prosecution introduced testimony from a juvenile witness who said they saw Virginia Smith fire at Johnson as well, supporting claims made during Virginia’s own testimony.
Prosecutors argued that both defendants acted together throughout the confrontation, the shooting, and the attempt to hide the crime. Virginia’s cooperation during the trial was a significant factor, and she ultimately became the tipster who alerted authorities to Johnson’s fate.
Body Dumped in a Well Using Belt and Ratchet Straps
After Johnson was killed, Michael Smith disposed of the body by lowering it into a deep water well on Virginia Smith’s property. Investigators said he used a belt and ratchet straps to drop Johnson’s body down the well, where it remained until authorities recovered it days later. Johnson had been reported missing, and it was Virginia’s eventual tip that led detectives to the exact location.
The recovery operation required specialized crews due to the depth and condition of the well, highlighting the extreme lengths taken to hide the victim.
Drug Use Raised in Courtroom Testimony
Virginia Smith told the court she was struggling with a serious drug problem at the time of the killing. Michael Smith’s defense attempted to use her substance use to challenge her credibility during trial, but prosecutors maintained that her testimony aligned with physical evidence and witness accounts.
Despite her cooperation, the court imposed significant penalties. In addition to life with mercy, she received one to five years for the firearm charge and 10 years for concealment of a body, with credit for time served.
What Comes Next in the Case
Michael Smith’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled, though he faces decades in prison for his second-degree murder conviction. Prosecutors have described the case as one of the most disturbing homicides the county has handled in recent years.
The crime brought renewed attention to issues of domestic conflict, drug-related violence, and the challenges investigators face when suspects attempt to conceal homicide victims using remote or difficult-to-access locations.
Community Impact and Ongoing Questions
Local residents have followed the case closely, with many expressing relief that both defendants have been held accountable. Law-enforcement officials say the cooperation from Virginia Smith, despite her involvement, was critical in ensuring Cheyenne Johnson’s body was recovered and the full story came to light.
Authorities continue to review aspects of the case as they prepare for Michael Smith’s upcoming sentencing, which could bring additional details about the events leading to Johnson’s death.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Virginia Smith marks a major step toward closure in a case defined by violence, deception, and a coordinated effort to hide a woman’s body deep underground. As the court now turns its attention to Michael Smith’s punishment, the community remains focused on justice for Cheyenne Johnson.
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