Theresa Ann Woods was a vibrant young girl with a future full of promise. Born on April 6, 1972, in Montgomery, West Virginia, to Betty and Donald Woods, Theresa's life was marked by the typical joys and struggles of adolescence. However, her story took a heartbreaking turn that remains unresolved.
Theresa grew up in the small town of Powellton, West Virginia. Her early years were shaped by the presence of her father, who owned a grocery store in Kimberly, and the close-knit community around her. But in 1985, her life changed drastically when her parents divorced. Theresa moved with her mother, Betty, and her stepfather, Rick Holcomb, to Oak Hill, West Virginia, about a 35-minute drive from Powellton.
The move was a significant transition for Theresa. She left behind a small circle of friends and the comforting familiarity of her old home. In Oak Hill, her only constant was her mother, who had always been her best friend.
On February 20, 1986, Theresa's day began like many others. Dressed in a purple top, blue jeans, and a blue jean jacket, her red hair styled like a magazine cover, she was excited about the day ahead. Her mother drove her to Collins Middle School, where she would spend the day.
Theresa planned to meet her friend, Angel Skaggs, after school. They would walk together from school to where Theresa's mother and stepfather worked at B&B Convalescent. However, on that particular day, Angel had to take the bus home to help her sick brother, leaving Theresa waiting at the 7/11 gas station near the school.
At 3 PM, Theresa was seen standing outside the 7/11 on Jones Avenue, leaning against a pole. This was the last confirmed sighting of her.
When Theresa failed to meet her mother and stepfather as usual, concern quickly mounted. Betty and Rick, knowing Theresa’s habits well, recognized that her disappearance was out of character. They contacted local authorities and Theresa's father, Donald Woods, who immediately closed his grocery store and joined the search.
Initially, police suspected that Theresa might be a runaway. An article from that time stated, “Evidence indicated that the girl may be a runaway rather than the victim of foul play. But state police are still pursuing the investigation.” However, this theory quickly faltered. Theresa had taken none of her belongings with her, and her school confirmed she had attended classes all day.
As days turned into weeks, the runaway theory seemed increasingly unlikely. Theresa was looking forward to her upcoming birthday, and her parents knew she had no reason to leave. Her natural father, Donald Woods, noted that she had seemed upset during recent visits, but she hadn’t confided in him about any problems.
Moreover, Theresa had a new boyfriend, Johnny, who worked at the IGA grocery store across from the 7/11. Johnny's father reported receiving a call from someone who might have been Theresa, but no concrete information emerged.
Despite an extensive search effort and widespread community involvement, including posters and media coverage, Theresa remained missing. Her stepfather, Rick Holcomb, expressed frustration with the investigation, noting the lack of resources and the absence of FBI involvement.
An April 19, 1986, article highlighted the continued struggle: “After weeks, 13-year-old Theresa Woods is still missing. Her stepfather said he doesn’t think they have enough manpower and wonders why the FBI hasn’t been contacted.”
As April 6, 1986, Theresa’s 14th birthday, came and went without any sign of her, the heartache deepened. The community’s hope for her safe return faded with each passing day.
Theresa Ann Woods's case remains a poignant reminder of a life cut short and the enduring search for answers. The tragedy of her disappearance underscores the importance of vigilance, community support, and the relentless pursuit of justice for those who are lost.
Theresa's story serves as a powerful call to action: to remember her, to keep seeking the truth, and to ensure that every child’s safety is a priority.
**The Unsolved Mystery of Theresa Ann Woods: A Case That Haunts Oak Hill**
On June 5, 1986, the quiet lives of two men fishing for minnows in Laurel Creek were disrupted by a chilling discovery. John and Gerald Davis stumbled upon a human skull partially submerged at the creek’s edge. Their find led to an immediate alert to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, sealing off the area for a thorough search.
### The Grim Discovery
As the authorities combed through the area overnight, they uncovered more human remains, fragments of clothing, jewelry, and several strands of bright red hair. These items strongly suggested that the remains belonged to Theresa Ann Woods, the 13-year-old girl who had been missing since February 20 of that year.
An article from June 6, 1986, reported: “The body of a girl found Thursday by a minnow hunter in Laurel Creek is believed to be that of an Oak Hill girl missing since February 20th, police said. A body fitting the description of Theresa Woods, 13, was found in Laurel Creek off US 19 about 8 PM Thursday.” Despite the strong indications, authorities could not yet confirm the identity.
### Confirmation and Investigation
A few days later, the West Virginia State Medical Examiner, Ervin Sulfur, confirmed the grim reality. Theresa’s remains were identified, and it was determined she had been a victim of homicide. The exact cause of her death remains undisclosed to this day, though authorities have indicated that they believe the crime was sexually motivated.
The discovery of Theresa's remains raised numerous questions, particularly regarding the timeline and location of her murder. Her body was found approximately nine miles from the 7/11 on Jones Avenue where she was last seen. The distance and the fact that her body was found near Laurel Creek, with its sparse access points, suggested that the perpetrator was familiar with the area.
### Investigating the Path
Authorities faced significant challenges in piecing together the events leading up to Theresa’s death. The question on everyone’s mind was how Theresa ended up at Laurel Creek. There were only two main routes from the 7/11 to Laurel Creek, with no shortcuts or intersecting roads. This made the absence of witnesses even more perplexing.
The decomposition of Theresa’s body, compounded by the passage of four months, complicated the investigation. Animal activity had scattered the remains, making the reconstruction of her final moments even more difficult. Despite these challenges, authorities believed that her murder occurred on or shortly after February 20.
### The Ongoing Search for Answers
By November 1986, the investigation had turned cold. Both local and state police issued appeals for any information regarding Theresa’s murder. The case remained unsolved, and hope dwindled with each passing year.
In 2011, the West Virginia State Police made efforts to revisit cold cases. Captain JL Cahill, tasked with re-examining such cases, reassigned Theresa’s case to Sergeant Jasion Davis of the Oak Hill Detachment. Then, in 2021, the Register Herald reported a renewed interest in Theresa’s case. Corporal J. Kincaid stated that a new lead had emerged, although details were scarce.
As the case continues to remain unresolved, the pain for Theresa’s family endures. It has been nearly 38 years since Theresa’s tragic death, and her loved ones are still seeking answers.
To those who might know something about Theresa Ann Woods’s murder, it is crucial to come forward. The case has been cold for too long, but the pursuit of justice remains active. If you have any information, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (304) 255-STOP (7867). You can also submit tips anonymously online at [www.crimestopperswv.org](http://www.crimestopperswv.org).
Theresa’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the relentless pursuit of justice. Her memory continues to call for closure, and the clock is ticking for those who hold the key to solving this tragic case. The community and authorities remain hopeful that someone will come forward and provide the missing piece needed to bring Theresa’s killer to justice.
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