Alisha Brooke Carnefix, a 39-year-old Caucasian woman, was found dead on February 6, 2024, at her home on Sapphire Road in Saint Albans, West Virginia. She was discovered alongside her 14-year-old son, Koda Bryson Jarrett, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Authorities quickly launched an investigation into the double homicide, which sent shockwaves through the local community.
Law enforcement officials identified Markus Deron Guy, a 31-year-old man from Charleston, as the primary suspect in the killings. Guy voluntarily walked into the Charleston Police Department and confessed to the murders, stating that he had killed two of his girlfriend's relatives. Officers later recovered a pistol from a vehicle at the police department, which was believed to have been used in the crime.
Following his confession, Guy was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
During the trial, Guy claimed that Carnefix had begun choking him when he arrived at the home, prompting him to shoot her in self-defense. He further stated that he feared for his life upon seeing Jarrett, leading him to shoot the teenager as well. However, evidence presented in court contradicted his claims, showing that both victims had been shot twice in the head. The jury ultimately found Guy guilty of second-degree murder for Carnefix's death and first-degree murder for Jarrett's, granting him mercy on the latter charge.
On April 23, 2025, Guy was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years for the murder of Jarrett. Additionally, he received a 40-year sentence for the second-degree murder of Carnefix and a separate 10-year sentence for the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The judge ruled that all sentences would be served consecutively, ensuring that Guy would remain incarcerated for decades.
The tragic deaths of Carnefix and Jarrett deeply affected their family and community. Carnefix, a respiratory therapist, was known for her dedication to her patients and her willingness to help others. Jarrett, a student at Winfield Middle School, was remembered as a kind-hearted and animal-loving young boy. Their loved ones expressed their grief and anger during the sentencing, sharing heartfelt letters and statements about the profound loss they had suffered. The case remains a painful reminder of the devastating impact of violence on families and communities.
