On a summer evening in Lashmeet, West Virginia, the life of 62-year-old Michael Walker came to a violent end. On July 26, 2020, outside his home on Presbyterian Avenue, Walker was fatally shot. When West Virginia State Police arrived at the scene, they discovered his body near the front porch, felled by a gunshot wound to the head.
Inside the residence, authorities found and arrested Walker's 53-year-old girlfriend, Monica Hartwell. The shotgun believed to be the weapon used in the shooting was recovered from a couch in the living room. In the hours leading up to the incident, both Hartwell and Walker had reportedly been drinking. Witnesses, including Hartwell's ex-husband who also lived at the home, told investigators that Walker had been exhibiting strange behavior, at times claiming to be a divine figure.
The investigation uncovered a chilling motive.
Hartwell had allegedly told a family member that she believed Walker was a "demon from hell" and that the community would be safer without him. She expressed a sense of duty to kill him to "protect her community," despite also stating that she loved him.
Hartwell was initially charged with first-degree murder. During her trial in August 2022, testimony was presented regarding her claims about Walker's supposed demonic possession and her stated intention to safeguard the community. After considering the evidence, the jury found Monica Hartwell guilty of second-degree murder. She faced a potential prison sentence of up to 40 years for the death of Michael Walker.
