Man charged with Bluefield woman's murder - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

BLUEFIELD (WVVA) -- An arrest has been made in the slaying of a young Bluefield mother.

Police Chief Joe Wilson says Marcus McKinley, 26, was arrested in the Charlotte, N.C., area around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night.

McKinley has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Ayana Patton of Bluefield.

Wilson says the suspect and victim had a 7-month-old child together. The child is safe and was with family at the time of the slaying.

A call to check on Patton led police to her body around 7 a.m. Thursday morning at the Opera House Apartments on Raleigh Street in Bluefield. She died from an apparent gunshot wound.

Patton's brother, who lives in New York City, commented to WVVA Thursday night.

"We are shocked and saddened by the news," he said. "This coward needs to be captured and domestic violence needs to come to an end."

Wilson says McKinley was in possession of a weapon when arrested, but he doesn't know if it's the same weapon used in the shooting.

McKinley remains in custody in North Carolina awaiting an extradition hearing.