Martinsburg, WV – A break in a four-year-old cold case has led to the arrest of a Hedgesville man allegedly involved in a fatal 2020 hit-and-run on Blairton Road, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
According to authorities, the case began on December 21, 2020, when deputies responded to a crash around 5:52 p.m. on Blairton Road. Investigators say a northbound vehicle allegedly lost control, left the roadway, and crashed into a home at 894 Blairton Road. The impact pushed the vehicle inside the residence, killing 76-year-old Elva Bittori, who was inside at the time.
Deputies say the driver allegedly fled the scene before first responders arrived. Despite months of work, Corporal Anaya’s investigation eventually went cold after all leads were exhausted.
The breakthrough came in recent weeks when Ranson Police Chief Bobby Miller contacted Berkeley County Sheriff Robert Blair with new information related to the incident. Sheriff Blair assigned the lead to Criminal Investigator Deputy Dennis Jenkins, who conducted additional follow-up work that ultimately identified a suspect.
Deputy Jenkins’ investigation resulted in the arrest of 54-year-old Charles Edward Orrison, Sr., of Hedgesville, who allegedly drove the vehicle involved. Orrison is charged with vehicular manslaughter and hit and run resulting in death. He is being held at Eastern Regional Jail with no bond.
Sheriff Blair credited interagency cooperation for finally bringing movement to the case, saying the arrest provides long-awaited answers for the Bittori family.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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