Riley Crossman's Tragic Death: Stepfather Sentenced to Death for Murder of his Girlfriend's 15-year-old daughter

In the spring of 2019, 15-year-old Riley Crossman went missing in Morgan County, West Virginia. 

Riley's sudden disappearance quickly disturbed her friends and family as it was unusual.

They were deeply concerned about what may have happened to her.

Tragically, just eight days later, Riley’s body was found in a trash bag along a highway.

The main suspect in her murder was someone who should have been protecting her: her mother’s boyfriend and stepfather.

Riley Crossman

Who Was Riley Crossman? A Look at Her Life and Family

Riley Crossman was born on December 22, 2003, in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Martinsburg is a small city with a close-knit community and a low crime rate. 

Located in Northeast West Virginia, it has a population of about 20,000 and is near Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.

Its serene environment made it an ideal place for raising a family.

Growing up, Riley was deeply connected with her family. 

She adored her younger sister, Jade, and was close to her older brothers, Ryder and Riker. 

Although Riley had a relatively calm childhood, the family experienced emotional challenges after her parents divorced.

The children often visited their father in Martinsburg but mainly lived with their mother, Chantel, in Berkeley Springs, which is about 25 miles away.

Chantel's boyfriend, Andy McCulley, eventually moved in with them, forming a "blended" family.

By 2018, Riley had started dating Hayden Lacey, and their relationship quickly grew strong.

They went to school dances together, kept in touch often through texts and FaceTime, and seemed to have a promising future ahead.

Sadly, they never had that future, as Riley Crossman's life was tragically and brutally cut short.

Riley Crossman

The Night Riley Went Missing: A Troubling Sequence of Events

On May 7, 2019, around 7:30 PM, Riley went to her room to FaceTime Hayden.

According to Hayden, they had a minor disagreement during their call, and Hayden went to bed at 10 PM.

At 11:01 PM, Riley sent a troubling message to Hayden saying, "Andy’s in my room. Shh. Don’t say anything about it so he can hear everything." 

Twelve minutes later, she sent another message: "I’m scared, babe."

When Riley’s mother, Chantel, returned from work, she assumed Riley was asleep, so she didn’t check on her daughter again before going to bed.

However, the next morning, Riley was missing. 

Chantel initially thought Riley might have left early to see Hayden that morning, but Riley's belongings—her purse, glasses, and phone charger—were left behind, which was unusual for her.

Riley Crossman's

Suspicion Falls on Andy McCulley: The Search for Answers

Chantel’s worry escalated when Riley didn’t return home after school. 

Attempts to contact her were unsuccessful, and Riley, who was usually quick to respond to messages and calls, did not reply.

Chantel then realized she hadn’t actually seen Riley the previous night and had only assumed she was there because the door was locked. 

This made her very worried and deeply concerned.

Her boyfriend and Riley’s stepfather, Andy McCulley, started acting increasingly suspicious.

When informed that Riley was missing, Andy's actions became erratic. 

He initially offered to help in her search but later fell asleep on the couch.

Chantel's instinct told her something was terribly wrong.

She called Hayden to see if he had heard from Riley, but he hadn't. 

That’s when Chantel decided to contact the police.

The Investigation: Uncovering the Truth 

Riley’s texts raised immediate concerns about Andy McCulley’s involvement.

Investigators learned that Riley had been afraid of Andy, who had a history of addiction and criminal behavior. 

Despite initially cooperating with the police, Andy’s story was inconsistent. 

He claimed he was asleep that night but was later found to have been awake and involved in suspicious activities, such as buying drugs.

You can watch his initial reaction in the video below, where he pretends not to know anything about her disappearance, even though he was responsible.

The investigation into Riley’s disappearance quickly focused on Andy McCulley. 

The authorities interviewed him multiple times, finding discrepancies in his accounts. 

His claim that he was only buying drugs was contradicted by evidence showing he had taken unusual routes and acted suspiciously.

He was questioned about the text messages Riley had sent and his whereabouts on the night of May 7th. 

Andy maintained his innocence saying he never saw Riley. 

But the evidence against him was overwhelming, including surveillance footage and witness testimonies.

Andy McCulley

The Discovery: Riley Crossman’s Body and the Evidence Against Andy McCulley

On May 16, 2019, Riley’s body was found in trash bags along Tuscarora Pike. 

The condition of the body, including torn clothing and an unusual white substance on her shoes, further implicated Andy. 

The forensic analysis revealed that drywall mud and screws found at the crime scene matched those in Andy’s car. 

The evidence pointed towards a violent struggle, and Riley’s autopsy confirmed her death as a homicide.

A few days later, after substantial evidence was gathered against him, Andy McCulley was arrested and charged with Riley’s murder.

Andy McCulley

Trial and Justice: The Courtroom Battle for Riley’s Memory

Andy McCulley's trial began on September 27, 2021. 

The courtroom was filled with emotional witnesses, including Riley’s family and friends. 

Prosecutor Dan James presented a compelling case, highlighting the brutal nature of the crime and the evidence against Andy.

Despite overwhelming evidence, Andy pleaded not guilty. 

The trial included detailed forensic testimony, witness accounts, and the presentation of over 120 pieces of evidence. 

The prosecution argued that the crime was premeditated, with sufficient time for Andy to reconsider his actions.

During the trial, the jury was confronted with the harsh reality of the crime through details of Riley’s clothing and forensic evidence.

The trial also highlighted Andy’s inconsistent statements and questionable behavior.

Ultimately, the jury found Andy McCulley guilty of first-degree murder, concealment of a body, and child abuse resulting in death.

He received two life sentences without the possibility of parole on October 5, 2021.

His conviction was a bittersweet moment for Riley’s family and the community, who had endured a painful journey to seek justice for the young girl whose life was tragically cut short.

Below is a longer video offering a more in-depth case analysis if you want to learn more.

In another case, a former police officer has been sentenced to life for murdering his wife. 

What makes this case stand out is the dramatic performance the killer cop put on when the responding officers first arrived at his home. 

He was crying excessively, but it was clear to everyone that he was faking it. His acting was absolutely terrible.

Click here to watch the video and read the full details of the case.

Source : Beyond Evil / YouTube