Aug. 27—CRoark @DominionPost.com MORGANTOWN—Six witnesses for the prosecution took the stand Wednesday as the state continued building its case against Jonathan Ramirez, the Texas man accused of brutally killing Jacob Patrick Lough in January 2024.
The detective, who oversaw the investigation, was the first called to testify, walking jurors through the early stages of the case and the collection of evidence.
Jurors then heard from Robyn Lewis, a certified fingerprint examiner with the West Virginia State Police lab, who was recognized by the court as an expert in latent print analysis. Lewis testified that a palm print lifted from evidence in the case matched Ramirez’s right palm.
Lewis explained how latent prints are often partial and distorted, unlike controlled “known ” prints taken in booking. After evaluating the sample, she concluded “the latent palm print was left by the same person.”
Two additional forensic scientists from the state laboratory also testified via Zoom, expanding on evidence testing of DNA.
The state medical examiner followed with detailed autopsy testimony, describing more than 200 sharp force injuries to Lough’s body. The testimony explained the difference between stab wounds—deeper than they are wide—and incisional cuts, often more shallow.
According to the examiner, Lough suffered 27 stab wounds to the neck, 10 to the shoulders, and more than 130 to his back and abdomen. Injuries also included fractured cartilage, punctured lungs, a perforated diaphragm, and defensive wounds on the arms and hands.
The examiner testified that Lough ultimately died from blood loss caused by the multitude of stab wounds and formally predicted the manner of death a homicide.
“There were multiple fractures consistent with blunt-force trauma, ” the examiner said, calling the injuries consistent with a violent attack.
Later testimony came from a West Virginia University police officer who described how campus surveillance cameras helped locate Ramirez the day after the killing.
Investigators testified that Ramirez parked Lough’s stolen car in a short-term lot near the Mountainlair student union, then blended in with students on campus. He was carrying a WVU backpack that he took from Lough’s home, buying food at the “Grab and Go ” eatery, and later hiding overnight in a second-floor storage closet.
Footage also showed Ramirez adjusting bloody bandages on his hands while seated in the Mountainlair.
The next morning, police tracked him boarding the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system to WVU’s Evansdale campus. Officers moved in as he entered the Engineering Building, taking him into custody without incident despite heavy student traffic. On Ramirez’s body, officers found a 9mm handgun and magazines. The firearm contained a loaded magazine, but there was not a bullet in the chamber.
The trial will continue today with additional testimony.