Raleigh couple faces murder charges in copper theft plot

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Raleigh County couple faces murder charges for their part in a copper theft plot that went awry and left a man dead last month.


Bernard Joseph Garrison, 30 and Jennifer Garrison, 28, both of Crab Orchard, were arrested Friday and charged with first-degree murder, according to Raleigh County sheriff's deputies. The couple allegedly took part in an attempted copper theft at an AEP substation on Sept. 16 that left Toby Harrah dead.


According to deputies, the three drove to the substation to steal copper. While Jennifer Garrison waited in the car, Harrah and Bernard Garrison broke through the fence and tried to steal copper wire. Harrah was electrocuted during the attempt.


Jennifer and Bernard Garrison were charged with felony murder under a state law making a person guilty of murder if they take part in a felony that results in someone's death.

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