Resolution of the 2007 James Johansen Cold Case Murder

After a 15-year investigation, the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) have successfully reached a resolution in the 2007 disappearance and murder of James Johansen of Lewisburg. The case, which remained cold for over a decade, saw a significant breakthrough following a collaborative effort between state law enforcement and local authorities.

The Investigation and Discovery

James Johansen, 53, was reported missing in 2007 after friends and neighbors noted his prolonged absence. For years, the case remained unsolved as leads were exhausted and the trail went cold. The breakthrough occurred when the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office discovered skeletal remains near Muddy Creek Mountain.

Following this discovery, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office conducted a formal crime scene report, confirming that the remains belonged to Johansen. The investigation was then spearheaded by the WVSP Lewisburg Detachment and the WVSP Bureau of Criminal Investigations, who cross-referenced the new physical evidence with existing investigative reports from the initial 2007 missing person case.

Legal Proceedings and Prosecution

Once investigators synthesized the evidence, they presented an investigative report to Prosecutor Pat Via. This led to the presentation of the case before a Greenbrier County grand jury, which subsequently returned indictments against Charles Micheal “Cason” Kessinger on charges of murder and first-degree robbery.

The apprehension of the suspect involved multi-state cooperation. The Texas Rangers and the Department of Public Safety located and arrested Kessinger at his residence in San Antonio, Texas. Following his arrest, Kessinger was held until West Virginia authorities could complete the extradition process. He was transported to the Southern Regional Jail in Raleigh County to await judicial proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• Cold Case Resolved: The 2007 murder of Lewisburg resident James Johansen was solved after a 15-year investigation.
• Interagency Cooperation: The resolution resulted from joint operations between the West Virginia State Police, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office, and law enforcement agencies in Texas.
• Indictments: Charles Micheal “Cason” Kessinger was indicted on charges of murder and first-degree robbery.

Moving Forward

The resolution of this case marks the conclusion of a long-standing effort to provide answers for the community and the family of James Johansen. With the suspect in custody and the judicial process underway in the Greenbrier County Circuit Court, the focus has shifted to the upcoming arraignment and trial phases of the prosecution.

Note: This report is based on official statements regarding the investigation into the death of James Johansen as documented by the West Virginia State Police and local authorities.