70-year-old West Virginia man robbed, beaten, and left for dead; 3 arrested

HINTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — Two men and a woman from West Virginia are facing multiple charges including robbery, kidnapping, and assault after they allegedly took an elderly man to an abandoned home, beat him and left him for dead.

According to the West Virginia State Police, on Monday, July 15, Lataura E. Jarrett, 32, Wesley S. Taylor, 32, and Johnathan W. Cales, 24, drove 70-year-old Johnny J. Simms to an abandoned residence on Redden Hollow Road in Summers County.

Officials say while at the residence, Jarrett, Taylor, and Cales allegedly severely beat and robbed Simms of his money.

The three then allegedly tied Simms with rope and left him at the residence without aid.

According to officials, Simms was able to free himself and escape from the residence sometime on Wednesday, July 17.

Simms was able to call for help and was taken to the Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

A warrant was issued, and officials say Jarrett, Taylor, and Cales were arrested on charges of Kidnapping, Robbery, Assault During the Commission of a Felony, Malicious Assault, and Conspiracy to Inflict Injury.

Officials say Taylor was transported and is currently housed at the Central Regional Jail. Jarrett and Cales were transported and are currently housed at the Southern Regional Jail.

All three are being held without bond until their appearances before the Summers County Circuit Court Judge Robert A. Irons.

Officials say this investigation is still active and ongoing. Stay with 7News for future updates on this story.

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