All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Judge rules porch interview admissible in attempted poisoning case

BUCKHANNON – 26th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kurt Hall has ruled an interview that took place on a porch will be admissible at trial for a woman who has been indicted by an Upshur County Grand Jury for solicitation of murder and three additional felony charges.

Jaymie Wright was indicted in the January 2022 term of Upshur County Circuit Court for three counts of attempting to kill or injure by poison and one count of solicitation of murder, all felonies.

According to court records, Wright allegedly attempted to kill or injure the victim by placing various substances in his “food and/or beverages.” Wright allegedly attempted to administer aconite, a type of poisonous plant, on one occasion; “medication” on another occasion; and potassium on a third occasion.

The indictment also states that Wright “willingly and knowingly instigated or induced [a third party] to kill Zechariah Wright, the victim.”

At Thursday’s hearing, special prosecuting attorney Savannah Wilkins asked the court to determine the voluntariness of the statements Wright made during an interview on April 9, 2021, conducted by Wilmer Smithson with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Special Agent Steve Worthy with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Wilkins asked the court to allow Worthy and Smithson to testify at trial to discuss their interview with Wright and to find that Wright’s statements were given freely and voluntarily.

On Thursday, Smithson said the interview took place at Wright’s home on her porch in Buckhannon, where she was not under arrest and was not placed in handcuffs. Smithson said he and Worthy identified themselves and explained the reason for the interview. The interview was not recorded, but Smithson took handwritten notes.

Smithson testified that the first part of their conversation was about a firearm. During the interview, Wright allegedly said she removed the gun from her home because it was beside the bed she and her husband shared, and it was usually loaded. She said she wanted to get it out of the house because she was afraid her husband may use it and told Smithson that a friend removed the gun.

Smithson testified that Wright appeared to be aware of the allegations. Smithson said one of the statements she made during the interview was that her husband was saying she was trying to kill him, and she mentioned poison before the agents brought it up.

Later in the interview, Wright allegedly said she ordered a substance from Amazon for headaches and did not want her husband to know she had headaches. During that April 2021 interview, Smithson asked Wright if anyone witnessed her putting anything in her husband’s food or drink and she said “no.”

Smithson said Wright had told him that she had years of experience in the medical field and allegedly made a remark along the lines of “if I wanted him dead, he’d be dead.”

Wright allegedly described her relationship with her husband as a “domestic violence situation,” and said she had to lie to her friends to cover up bruises. She also said she felt her husband’s mother was causing him to make the allegations against her.

Smithson said the interview lasted about 40 minutes and Wright never asked to end the interview.

Wright’s attorney Tom Dyer objected to allowing Smithson or Worthy to testify at trial because his client may not have understood that she had the option to either not answer the questions or simply leave.

Judge Kurt Hall said the court would find it was clear Wright was not in custody or under arrest. He said Wright was on her own front porch and was free to leave at any time. Hall said the statements were made freely and would be made admissible at the trial, which is now scheduled to begin Aug. 16, with jury selection the day prior on Aug. 15 and a pre-trial hearing slated for 11 a.m. Aug. 4.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Raising the Jolly Roger With… Braydon Osburn

TENNERTON — In continuing to bring you the best sports coverage in Upshur County, the My Buckhannon sports department is…

Highland Landscaping continues to build lead in Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League

Highland Landscaping extended its first-quarter lead in the Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League to 15 points after a decisive 22-7 win over Lisa Cain Edward Jones during a weather-shortened week four round.

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates recognized as outstanding seniors

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates were honored as Outstanding Seniors for exemplary academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement during the Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.

David Robert Asson Jr.

David Robert Asson, Jr., 81, a devoted family man, Navy veteran, and active community volunteer in multiple states, passed away in West Virginia, leaving behind a legacy of service and cherished relationships.

Mother arrested for child neglect after police find wanted man, drugs in home

Latachia A. Weese, 30, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after allegedly admitting to being high while caring for her two young children in a residence containing drugs and firearms.

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly choking his mother

Timothy A. Tenney, 37, of Buckhannon, was arrested and charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor domestic battery after allegedly attacking and choking his mother.

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.