A shocking crime from West Virginia has finally reached its end in court. A man who was found guilty of murdering a woman and dumping her body into a deep water well has now been sentenced to life in prison. The case, which took place in 2021, left a family heartbroken and a community disturbed. After years of investigation and court hearings, justice has been delivered.
Crime in West Virginia: What Happened?
In April 2021, 35-year-old Cheyenne Johnson was shot and killed in West Virginia. The crime involved two people — 46-year-old Michael Wayne Smith and his former girlfriend, 33-year-old Virginia Smith (they are not related).
According to court reports, the incident began with an argument. Virginia Smith accused Cheyenne Johnson of stealing her car. The disagreement quickly turned violent. Both women got into a physical fight, and Johnson was reportedly holding a knife during the altercation.
Michael Smith was present during the fight. Witnesses told the court that he threatened Johnson with a rifle. Prosecutors said he then ordered Virginia Smith to shoot Johnson. Virginia Smith fired the rifle, killing Johnson on the spot.
Body Dumped in a Deep Well
After the shooting, the crime became even more disturbing. Instead of reporting what happened, Michael Smith disposed of Johnson’s body. He used a belt and ratchet straps to lower her body into a deep water well located on Virginia Smith’s property.
A young witness later testified in court that they saw Virginia Smith shoot Johnson. This testimony played an important role during the trial.
Johnson was reported missing, and days later, her body was found inside the well. Interestingly, it was Virginia Smith who contacted authorities about Johnson’s whereabouts.
Court Trial and Convictions
The case went to trial in October 2025. Michael Smith was originally charged with first-degree murder. However, he was convicted of second-degree murder after Virginia Smith admitted that she was the one who pulled the trigger.
Virginia Smith had already pleaded guilty to:
- First-degree murder
- Concealment of a dead body
- Use of a firearm during the commission of a felony
In December 2025, she was sentenced to life in prison with mercy, meaning she may have a chance for parole in the future.
Michael Smith, being considered a repeat offender, faced a harsher punishment.
Michael Smith’s Sentence
During the sentencing hearing, the judge sentenced Michael Smith to:
- Life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years
- 40 additional years for second-degree murder
- Extra prison time for concealing a body
- Additional time for illegal possession of a firearm
- Additional time for assault
Because of these combined sentences, Michael Smith is expected to spend a very long time behind bars.
Family’s Emotional Statements in Court
The sentencing hearing was emotional. Cheyenne Johnson’s family and friends shared powerful victim impact statements.
Johnson’s brother called Michael Smith a “waste of human flesh” while reading a statement from himself and their father. One of Johnson’s close friends described Smith as a “hollow shell of a man.”
Their words reflected the deep pain and anger felt by Johnson’s loved ones. Losing someone in such a violent way leaves wounds that may never fully heal.
How the Case Unfolded
Here’s a quick overview of the case timeline:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 29, 2021 | Cheyenne Johnson was shot and killed |
| Days later | Her body was found inside a water well |
| October 2025 | Michael Smith was convicted |
| December 2025 | Virginia Smith sentenced to life with mercy |
| 2026 | Michael Smith sentenced to life in prison |
This case shows how complex criminal investigations can take years before reaching a final judgment.
