WV Woman Admits Covering Up Florida Murder

ORLANDO, FL – Belenda Sandy, 56, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to deliberately muddying the waters in a brutal federal kidnapping and death investigation, according to Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. Sandy pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and now faces a potential 20-year federal prison sentence. No sentencing date has been set.

The case stems from the November 27, 2016 disappearance of a victim in Ormond Beach, Florida. Investigators quickly learned the victim had fled Indiana, seeking refuge from her estranged husband, Jarvis Wayne Madison, who was also involved with Sandy. The plea agreement reveals that in the days before the victim vanished, Madison was a guest at Sandy’s West Virginia home, receiving not only shelter but also financial assistance and even new tires for his vehicle. A crucial 23-minute phone call between Madison and Sandy occurred just prior to the victim’s disappearance, painting a clear picture of their connection.

When questioned by investigators on November 28, 2016, Sandy flatly denied any recent contact with Madison – a blatant lie. Even after being informed that Madison was the prime suspect in the likely abduction of the victim, she maintained her deceptive story, claiming she hadn’t seen him in a long time. This wasn’t just passive denial; Sandy actively warned Madison that law enforcement was closing in, meeting him at a gas station near her home to deliver the message. Her actions directly hampered the investigation, delaying Madison’s arrest and the grim recovery of the victim’s body.

Fueled by Sandy’s warning, Madison fled to Tennessee, where he buried the victim’s remains. He was apprehended by authorities in Kentucky on December 2, 2016, the same day FBI agents unearthed the victim’s body in Tennessee. The investigation confirmed Madison had shot and killed the victim sometime after her disappearance on November 27th. This wasn’t a crime of passion; it was a calculated act of violence enabled by Sandy’s obstruction.

Madison is currently facing a superseding indictment charging him with kidnapping resulting in death, interstate domestic violence, and interstate stalking. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is simply a formal accusation, and Madison is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A trial is scheduled for the March 2018 term. Sandy’s cooperation, or lack thereof, will undoubtedly be a key factor in her sentencing.

The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable support from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Indiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle is prosecuting the case, seeking justice for the victim and accountability for those who enabled this tragedy.