The decades-long search for a missing West Virginia mother and daughter has come to a tragic end. Authorities announced the discovery of what they believe are the remains of Susan Carter and her 10-year-old daughter, Natasha “Alex” Carter, buried in the backyard of a home in southern West Virginia. The breakthrough came after a deathbed confession by the suspect, Larry Webb, just hours before his own demise.
The Carters vanished without a trace on August 8, 2000, amidst a heated custody battle between Susan Carter and Alex’s father, Rick Lafferty. Susan had warned Lafferty he would never see his daughter again. At the time of their disappearance, the mother and daughter were living with Webb.
Alex Carter (NamUs)
The case remained cold for years, despite the FBI’s renewed efforts in 2021. The investigation took a significant turn in 2022 when authorities executed search warrants at Webb’s residence. During a subsequent search in 2023, a crucial piece of evidence was uncovered: a bullet lodged in a bedroom wall. DNA analysis ultimately confirmed the blood on the bullet belonged to Alex Carter.
This forensic breakthrough, combined with mounting evidence, led investigators to confront Webb. Faced with the irrefutable evidence, Webb, in his 80s and in failing health, confessed to the murders. Raleigh County Prosecutor Ben Hatfield described the confession as “detailed, undeniable, unconflicted.”
According to Webb’s account, the tragic events unfolded after he discovered missing money from his home, leading to a confrontation with Susan Carter. He shot her during the ensuing argument. Fearing discovery, Webb then shot Alex Carter. He wrapped the bodies in bed linens, stored them in his basement, and over the next two nights, buried them in a shallow grave in the woods on his property.
Webb’s confession prompted authorities to launch a meticulous search of his property. Landscapers with excavators meticulously combed through the backyard, digging to a depth of approximately 4.5 feet. The painstaking search, spanning three days, culminated in the discovery of the remains.
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Tony Rausa confirmed that the condition and location of the bodies corroborated Webb’s detailed confession, providing a “high degree of certainty” that the remains belonged to Susan and Alex Carter. The remains have been sent to the state medical examiner’s office for autopsies and positive identification.
The timing of the discovery, just hours after Webb’s death, added a layer of poignant irony to the case. Webb, who had been arrested earlier this month and held without bond in connection with Alex Carter’s death, suffered a medical episode at the Mount Olive Correctional Complex and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Prosecutor Hatfield described the timing as “a bit of a poetic ending that not even I can write.”
While the discovery brings closure to a decades-long mystery, it also underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the enduring pain of families left searching for answers. For Rick Lafferty, the news brought a mixture of sorrow and relief. “It’s kind of a sad day, but also a happy day because I can bring my baby home,” he said at a news conference.
The case highlights the importance of persistent investigative work, forensic advancements, and the power of a confession, even one delivered on the brink of death, in solving complex cold cases. The tragedy leaves a community grappling with the grim reality of a crime that shattered lives and left a family mourning the loss of a mother and daughter.
The investigation remains active as authorities await the medical examiner’s confirmation of the identities. The discovery offers a semblance of closure for a family that has endured decades of unanswered questions and agonizing uncertainty. While justice may have been delayed, the truth has finally come to light, revealing the tragic fate of Susan and Alex Carter.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help. Numerous resources are available to provide support and guidance. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
