70-year-old West Virginia man robbed, beaten and left for dead; 3 people arrested

HINTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — Two West Virginia men and a woman are accused of robbery, kidnapping and assault, among other crimes, for taking an elderly man to an abandoned home, beating him and leaving him for dead.

According to the West Virginia State Police, on Monday, July 15, Lataura E. Jarrett, 32, Wesley S. Taylor, 32, and Johnathan W. Cales, 24, drove 70-year-old Johnny J. Simms to an abandoned residence on Redden Hollow Road in Summers County.

Officials said Jarrett, Taylor and Cales brutally beat Simms in the apartment and robbed him of his money.

The three then allegedly tied Simms up with a rope and left him in the apartment without help.

According to authorities, Simms managed to free himself and escape from the residence sometime on Wednesday, July 17.

Simms was able to call for help and was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

An arrest warrant was issued and authorities say Jarrett, Taylor and Cales were arrested on charges of kidnapping, robbery, assault during the commission of a serious felony, willful injury and conspiracy to inflict bodily harm.

Officials say Taylor was transported and is currently being held at the Central Regional Jail. Jarrett and Cales were transported and are currently being held at the Southern Regional Jail.

All three are being held without bail pending their appearance before Summers County District Court Judge Robert A. Irons.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing. Stay with 7News for further updates on this story.