In the early morning hours of July 23, 2018, the life of 33-year-old Joshua Webb, a Caucasian male from Beckley, West Virginia, was tragically cut short. Webb was found deceased on the wheelchair ramp of the Executive Manor apartment building in downtown Beckley, the victim of a fatal shooting. The incident, which occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m., left the community in shock and spurred a swift police investigation.
Authorities who arrived at the scene on Main Street discovered Webb had been shot in the face at close range.
Investigators quickly delved into the case, utilizing surveillance footage and witness interviews to piece together the events of that night. Their efforts led to the identification of two suspects, Marshall Ratliff, then 24, and Angus Moodie Jr., then 38, both also from Beckley. Within a day of the shooting, both men were taken into custody. The investigation revealed a conflict between Webb and Ratliff, allegedly over Webb having flirted with Ratliff's girlfriend. It was determined that Moodie had provided the firearm to Ratliff.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, Marshall Ratliff faced a charge of first-degree murder. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to the maximum term of 40 years in prison. His defense had argued for a lesser sentence, citing mental illness, but the court found him competent to stand trial. Angus Moodie Jr. was charged with accessory before the fact to first-degree murder and pleaded guilty to this charge, as well as to unlawful possession of a firearm. He received a sentence of up to ten years in prison. Joshua Webb, remembered by his family as a beloved son, husband, and father who enjoyed basketball, video games, and fishing, was mourned by his community.
