WISE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Authorities are investigating a homicide that took place in the Town of Appalachia early Sunday morning.

According to a news release from the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and investigators responded to the Town of Appalachia regarding a “violent incident” that resulted in the death of Saundra Lee Moore, 44, of Appalachia.

An investigation and interview with the suspect, David Wayne Stoneburner, 29, confirmed the incident to be a homicide, the sheriff’s office stated.

Stoneburner reportedly gave authorities a statement that outlined events that led to Moore’s death and actions taken afterwards.

“Following the initial incident, the suspect [Stoneburner] transported the victim’s body across state lines into Harlan County, Kentucky, where he attempted to conceal and destroy evidence,” the sheriff’s office said in the release. “Harlan County officials, including the Medical Examiner and Coroner’s Office, confirmed the victim’s identity and pronounced her [Moore] deceased at 3:05 PM on April 20, 2025.”

Stoneburner is considered the primary suspect, and a murder warrant has been issued out of Wise County, according to the sheriff’s office.

As of Monday, he is incarcerated in Harlan County.

The sheriff’s office stated the investigation remains ongoing and additional warrants will be pursued.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Wise County Sheriff’s Office at 276-328-3566.