Michael James Ols, a 53-year-old Caucasian male, was found deceased in his Cross Lanes, West Virginia, home on March 9, 2024. His death is being investigated as a homicide.
The discovery was made after state troopers arrested 44-year-old Billy Cadle of Cross Lanes earlier that day in connection with a burglary in the nearby town of Poca. During that burglary, two cats were found killed. Information gathered during that investigation led troopers to Michael Ols's residence on Walnut Valley Drive. Inside, they discovered Mr. Ols's body and two deceased dogs.
Billy Cadle was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in the death of Michael Ols. He also faces charges of daytime burglary and animal cruelty in connection with the Poca incident.
Cadle is being held without bond on the murder charge.
Michael Ols, known to friends as "Turtle," was a retired sheet metal journeyman. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley. His family and friends described him as a kindhearted and generous person who will be greatly missed. He was a graduate of Nitro High School and was raised in Cross Lanes by his grandparents.
