L. E. “Betsy” Coffey, Doddridge County Prosecuting Attorney

10/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2026

Ian Matthew Knight Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder in Death of Laramie Blue Davis

WEST UNION, W.Va. — Doddridge County Prosecuting Attorney L. Elizabeth Coffey announces that Ian Matthew Knight pleaded guilty today in the Circuit Court of Doddridge County to second-degree murder in connection with the 2020 death of Laramie Blue Davis.

During the plea hearing, Knight admitted that he stabbed Davis in the heart. Under the plea agreement, Knight elected to be sentenced under the 2026 version of West Virginia’s second-degree murder statute. He faces a determinate sentence of 15-60 years in a state penitentiary.

The Court accepted Knight’s guilty plea, ordered a presentence investigation, and scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2026.

“Today’s plea holds Ian Matthew Knight accountable for taking Laramie Blue Davis’s life,” said Coffey. “No conviction or sentence can restore what Laramie’s family has lost. We are grateful for their patience and participation throughout this case, and we will continue to stand with them as we prepare for sentencing.”

The case was investigated by the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police Crime Scene Team. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office thanks the investigating agencies and the witnesses whose work and cooperation supported the prosecution.
The Court will determine Knight’s sentence at the December 17 hearing.

Media contact:
L. Elizabeth Coffey
Doddridge County Prosecuting Attorney
304-873-1737
[email protected]

05/14/2026

On May 13, 2026, the Grand Jury sitting in Calhoun County, West Virginia returned a TRUE BILL on an Indictment presented by Special Prosecuting Attorney L. Elizabeth Coffey on the testimony of Corporal E.D. Schoolcraft, WVSP, against the following:
State of West Virginia v. Jacob Daniel McCumbers, 40, Arnoldsburg, WV, for
• Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree (172 Counts)
• Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Guardian, or Person in Position of Trust (86 Counts)

All persons who have been indicted by a Grand Jury in
West Virginia are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
An Indictment is merely an accusation.

03/27/2026

Did you know....
The Prosecutor is rarely consulted on matters of bond at initial appearances. In fact, I almost never know what bond will be set, and have zero say if home confinement or a PR bond is issued. I only get a say if there's a violation or if they can't make said bond and a modification is requested.

The Prosecutor cannot make extrajudicial statements about a case that would taint the jury pool, so don't be surprised if you call or email my office and get a generic answer about the criminal process.

Grand Juries typically only meet once a term
Most jurisdictions have 3 terms of court per year.
Grand Juries meet in secret

I see ya trollin' and I gotta tell ya, I will protect the integrity of these cases over trying to please the public every single time.

02/13/2026

WEST UNION, W.Va. — A Harrison County man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 2021 fatal stabbing of an inmate at the North Central Regional Jail.

02/13/2026

Latest indictments in Doddridge County.

WEST UNION, W.Va. — A Doddridge County grand jury returned indictments against 16 individuals during its February 2026 session, according to Prosecutor Betsy Coffey.