UPDATE: Arrest made in the disappearance/murder of Gretchen Fleming in Parkersburg, WV
Gretchen Fleming disappeared from a Parkersburg, WV bar on the night of December 4th, 2022. She was last seen leaving the bar with the man that was eventually arrested. Preston Pierce was arrested in Asheville, NC and charged with her murder and kidnapping.
Police basically zeroed in on Pierce immediately after the disappearance. Gretchen was seen leaving the bar with Pierce. The issue was the lack of evidence. Police searched Pierce’s Parkersburg residence within weeks, but apparently found nothing.
Gretchen’s remains were found in a remote area in a neighboring county during a September 2025 search. Genetic testing returned a match and Pierce was arrested.
As a local, it’s great to see a resolution to this. Gretchen’s disappearance never left the consciousness of the area. You can still drive through town and see Find Gretchen Fleming sings in yards.