UPDATE: Skeleton remains found this month in Mendota confirmed to be third 2019 murder victim

The remains of a third victim who died at the hands of a serial killer have been recovered in Washington County, Virginia.

Sheriff Blake Andis said new information in the investigation of carnival worker turned murder suspect James Michael Wright led detectives back to property in Mendota that had been searched previously.

On January 11, those details helped in the recovery of remains that have been confirmed to be those of Athena Huff Hopson of Johnson City following DNA testing by the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke who also gave gunshots as a preliminary cause of death for the woman who was reported missing in March 2019.

Wright, 25, has confessed to killing Hopson and as well as Elizabeth Vanmeter and Joycelyn Alsup within the span of 18 days. Commonwealth’s Attorney Josh Cumbow said he plans to advance the case against Wright this spring and the death penalty is being considered.

(IMAGE: SuperTalk Archives)