June 6, 2013: Arrest in Murder of David Lemons

On June 6, 2013, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Steven Randolph (25 years old of Lincoln County and the Elkview area of Kanawha County) for the May 20, 2013 murder of David Lemons.  Mr. Lemons was found dead in his residence at 7 Darlington Lane, near Elkview, WV, on May 20, 2013 at approximately 1:30 p.m.  

When detectives arrived at the scene they located David Lemons deceased on the living room floor of his residence.  A suspected blood drip trail was observed outside of his residence.  The autopsy performed by the Office of the West Virginia Chief Medical Examiner determined Lemons’ cause of death was a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.

Several witnesses interviewed indicated Steven Randolph and his wife, Joanna Paige Randolph, were present at David Lemons’ residence the night before his death was discovered.  The witnesses said the couple planned to spend the night there.  Video surveillance footage from a passing school bus was reviewed and showed what appeared to be the Randolph’s vehicle parked at Lemons’ residence at 7:36 a.m. on May 20.  When their vehicle was later found and searched presumptive tests indicated blood was present on clothing items, seats, and other surfaces. 

By June 6 detectives had examined a great deal of evidence and interviewed many witnesses.  The Office of the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney was consulted and an arrest warrant was sought charging Steven Randolph with first degree murder.  Detectives located Mr. Randolph that afternoon and arrested him.  He was booked at Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, then taken to Kanawha County Magistrate Court for arraignment before Magistrate Harshbarger.  Mr. Randolph was then taken to South Central Regional Jail.

Detectives are still looking for additional information about the murder, and ask anyone with information to call 304-357-0560 to speak with Detective A. R. Crawford.  Tips can be submitted anonymously through our website at http://www.kanawhasheriff.us, or emailed directly to Detective Crawford at adamcrawford@kcso.us. 

Attached is a copy of the criminal complaint referenced above charging Mr. Randolph with murder, which is on file at Kanawha County Magistrate Court.  Also attached is his mug shot from today’s arrest.

As is always the case with criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Randolph are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

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Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328