An Alleged Drug Dealer Believed A Man Stole 7 Ounces Of Marijuana From Her, So She Shot Him Dead, Police Say

A Michigan woman has pleaded not guilty to murdering a man in West Virginia police believe was shot because he stole marijuana from her.

Autumn Hammond, 23, was indicted in December on charges of murder, wanton endangerment, and presenting a firearm in commission of a felony in connection with the shooting death of Jason Ellis on Nov. 13, 2021, WSAZ reported.

According to police, Ellis was found suffering a fatal gunshot wound to the torso on the front porch of a residence in Huntington.

A criminal complaint obtained by WSAZ states an investigation determined the shooting may have occurred after the suspect, Hammond, allegedly thought the victim took seven ounces of marijuana from her.

Ellis’ girlfriend told police about the theft from a dealer they knew as "AJ", who was armed when she then confronted the couple, according to the complaint.

The girlfriend said “AJ” threatened to shoot the pair if they didn’t return the marijuana Ellis allegedly stole, the complaint states.

The girlfriend was able to get away, but a short time later a neighbor found Ellis shot to death.

Police claimed Hammond, who is from Michigan, allegedly told a relative she committed the murder over the missing drugs, according to the complaint.