In a tragic turn of events, a West Virginia man named Larry Webb confessed to the cold case killing of 10-year-old Natasha “Alex” Carter and her mother Susan Carter in 2000. Webb, who was in his 80s, died at Mount Olive Correctional Complex on the same day that the victims’ bodies were discovered, ending a two-decade-long mystery. The Carters had not been seen since August 8, 2000, and Susan was reportedly in a custody battle with Natasha’s father at the time of their disappearance.
The case had gone cold for over twenty years until the FBI reopened the investigation in 2021. Authorities executed search warrants at Webb’s home in 2022 and 2023, leading to his indictment in November and subsequent arrest. According to Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield, Webb shot and killed Susan Carter over a financial dispute, as he suspected her of spending a significant amount of money. He then shot Natasha in an attempt to avoid detection for killing her mother, later confessing to hiding their bodies.
Hatfield revealed that Webb admitted to burying Susan and Alex Carter together in a shallow grave on his property, wearing the clothes they were killed in. The confession was made during the first week of April, as Webb was reportedly on his deathbed and seeking redemption. Natasha’s father, Rick Lafferty, expressed a mix of sadness and relief during a press conference, thanking law enforcement for their dedication to solving the case and finally being able to bring his daughter home.
The tragic details of the Carters’ murder shed light on the devastating impact of the crime, which remained unsolved for over two decades. Webb’s confession provided closure for Natasha’s family, allowing them to finally lay her to rest after years of uncertainty and pain. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their loved ones.
The press conference where Webb’s admissions were shared highlighted the emotional toll of the case on those involved, including Natasha’s father, who expressed a bittersweet mix of emotions upon learning the truth about his daughter’s fate. The efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to bring closure to the case were commended, underscoring the importance of persistent investigative work in solving cold cases and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Ultimately, the tragic deaths of Susan and Natasha Carter at the hands of Larry Webb serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of violent crimes on families and communities. While the resolution of the case brought some closure to Natasha’s loved ones, it also underscored the necessity of continued efforts to solve cold cases and seek justice for victims. Webb’s confession and subsequent death brought a sense of finality to a long-standing mystery, allowing those affected by the tragedy to begin the process of healing and moving forward.