The United States Marshal Service is leading an effort to locate Christopher Ray Delerth, 39 years old of Illinois. He was last seen on surveillance yesterday wearing blue jeans and a forest-green colored shirt.
Mr. Delerth is accused of abducting his 13 year-old step-daughter Katherine Elizabeth, and her two-week old child. Katherine is described as 4’8" tall, 95lbs with brown, shoulder-length hair, and brown eyes. She is also known to have three birthmarks on her right knee.
The task force has asked the public to be especially vigilant in the following areas, possibly around campsites, looking for Mr. Delerth: Slaughter’s Creek from Chelyan in Kanawha County into Boone County near State Route 3; and Paint Creek from its mouth at the Kanawha River to the Mossy area in Fayette County. Suspected campsites may be in the woods, away from roadways, and hunters should be especially aware.
Anyone who spots Mr. Delerth or Katherine is asked to call 911. Do not approach them.
The task force members are engaged in active searches at this time, and will not be available for interviews or further information at this time. Additional information will be distributed through this or other channels as it becomes available.
Sgt