Law Enforcement Confident Body Found in Basement Crawlspace Missing MU Co-Ed

By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Writer

Huntington, WV (HNN) – The worst case scenario came true for the family and friends of 21-year-old Leah Hickman, a Marshall University student, who had last been seen about 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. In fact, it took re-thinking by members of the law enforcement agencies to come to the discovery.

A young female believed to be Hickman, whose friends organized and orchestrated a nationwide search, was found in crawlspace adjacent to the basement laundry room of 403 Eighth Avenue. The woman’s body has not been positively identified “due to the positioning,” Detective Rocky Johnson said. Forensics personnel are still “processing the scene for evidence, however, the family has been notified.

Hickman’s sister, Jessica Vickers, said at a candlelight vigil Thursday, Dec. 20 that she had spoken to her while she was at the apartment doing dishes. Friends and family had indicated that Leah, a broadcast journalism major, had no plans for that Friday evening and had mentioned that perhaps she would do laundry.

The apartment structure which has been under renovation had only two of four properties rented. Law enforcement had previously searched the building and others in the neighborhood without any specific leads. Chief Holbrook said the agencies had been scratching their heads, but credited officers for not abandoning their instincts.

Since “this is the starting point, we go to where the evidence takes you,” Holbrook provided few specifics not wanting to jeopardize the investigation of the apparent homicide. However, at this time, the chief indicated that law enforcement have no suspects or persons of interest. He asked the media to continue to provide information “in a responsible manner” that will “generate information for us.”

Mayor David Felinton and Huntington City Council Chairman Scott Caserta met with Holbrook following the news conference.

A subdued Felinton stated, “the odds of something like that happening to someone compared to being struck by lightning, I do not know. It’s frightening , there’s no doubt about it. I just live three blocks over. I’m nor necessarily in any more fear than I was, but I certainly understand how people nearby may be and that’s natural.”

Caserta told HNN, “It’s time for Huntington and the community to come together in prayer for this family. Our hearts go out to them.”

When asked if the current lack of suspects or persons of interest had any similarities to the still unsolved after Prom slaughter on Charleston Avenue, Caserta explained, “It’s a totally different situation… like comparing apples to oranges.” Caserta added, “ I’m sure Chief Holbrook and the various agencies working with the H P D will stay on task and get the job done.”