Remains of mother and daughter of US unsolved murder victim found 24 years later; suspect confesses to murder on deathbed – CNN.co.jp

(CNN) Authorities recently discovered the remains of a murdered mother and daughter in an unsolved case in the United States that occurred nearly 24 years ago. Information revealed on his deathbed by the man believed to have shot and killed mother and daughter led to the discovery. The victim’s husband and father are now feeling a sense of closure.

Benjamin Hatfield, the Raleigh County, West Virginia, prosecutor, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the case had an unexpected and surreal ending.

The prosecutor said Larry Webb, who was charged in the case earlier this month, made a “detailed, undeniable and uncontradicted” confession to one of the investigators on his deathbed. He admitted to shooting and killing 10-year-old Natasha “Alex” Carter and her mother, Susan Carter, in 2000.

That same year, mother and daughter lived at Webb’s home. The authorities revealed. The defendant told investigators that some of the cash he had in his home was missing. He said he became suspicious of Susan, who he was spending a lot of money with at the time. The two men got into an argument, and Webb shot Susan. He then had no choice but to kill Alex to avoid being discovered for Susan’s murder.

The defendant kept the bodies of the mother and daughter in the basement of her home. Over the next two nights, he dug a shallow hole in the woods on his property and buried mother and daughter together.

Alex’s father, Rick Rafferty, said on the 23rd: “It’s a rather sad day, but it’s also a happy day because we were able to bring our daughter home.” He also recalled that over the course of nearly 24 years, the investigation stalled many times and he almost lost hope.

Webb, who had been considered a suspect from the beginning of the investigation, was charged with Alex’s murder in October 2023, but the bodies of mother and daughter had never been found at that time.

After the indictment, the trial date was delayed due to defendant Webb’s health condition, and he was also transferred to a nursing home.

Hatfield said one of his investigators was able to speak with Webb at the facility before the trial date this month. Here, the defendant confessed to details of the murder and motive. He also revealed that he buried the body behind his property.

The confession was said to be in line with the investigation and evidence collected up to that point.

However, it was difficult to determine where the body was buried due to the defendant’s vague memory and mental and physical condition. On the 9th of this month, a search was conducted with the defendant in attendance, but the suspect’s health deteriorated significantly and no results were obtained.

Webb was then transferred to a general hospital, where he died on the morning of the 22nd.

Susan and Alex’s remains were discovered several hours later.

The investigation continues and the remains have been released to the coroner’s office.