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Suspect Arrested in Huntington Murder Save Email Print
Posted: 7:47 PM Jul 20, 2008
Last Updated: 9:18 AM Jul 24, 2008
Reporter: Melanie Chapman
Email Address: melanie.chapman@wsaz.com

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UPDATE: Wednesday @ 9:43pm
By Carrie Cline, WSAZ
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Armed, dangerous and on the run -- that was murder suspect Roger Coleman's description until police captured him Wednesday afternoon.

Coleman, the man police say killed Pat Green over $12 worth of CDs, was captured in a trailer in South Point, Ohio. Tips, combined with the encouraging words of a loved one, led to a peaceful surrender.

After two days in hiding, Coleman was full of words as police took him to court. He surrendered peacefully around 2 p.m. when officers showed up at the trailer he was hiding. Information from a tip line led to the arrest.

"We rolled up, he looked out the window and walked out peacefully. He put his hands up and then got down on the ground," said Huntington Police Lt. Rocky Johnson.

Coleman is accused of shooting Green in the face, killing him. It happened Sunday evening in front of a home in the 1100 block of 9th Avenue. Police say the two men were arguing over $12 worth CDs.

Before police showed up, Coleman made a special phone call to Diana Oiler. The two have developed a close relationship in the two years he's lived in Huntington.

"I think the world of her and her husband. She's like a mother to me. I said everything I needed to say when I called her this morning," Coleman said.

"Yes, he called me," Oiler said. "He said he was stressed out. I told him to turn himself in. He wanted to share his side of the story."

Oiler said she is relieved Coleman is safely behind bars.

Coleman first faces federal charges from a parole violation in Washington, D.C. in 1995. He was charged with drug trafficking. After that, he'll be arraigned on first-degree murder in connection with Green's death.



UPDATE: Wednesday @ 2:50pm
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The manhunt is over for the man wanted in connection with a Huntington murder.

Members of the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force arrested Roger Coleman around 2 p.m. in South Point, Ohio.

An anonymous tip led investigators to a trailer where Coleman was hiding.

Huntington Police say when detectives arrived, Coleman exited the trailer and surrendered without incident.

Coleman will be arraigned in Federal Court later this afternoon.

He's facing charges in the murder of Pat Green.



UPDATE: Monday @ 5:53pm
By Carrie Cline
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- From an argument over twelve dollars worth of CDs to murder. That's what Huntington Police say happened on 9th Avenue Sunday night -- resulting in the killing of Pat Green.

Now, a manhunt is on for the shooter. But, many friends and family say the man they knew wasn't capable of murder.

“People are so quick around here to want to shoot and it’s coming from both ends,” said Diana Oiler.

Diana is beside herself with grief and worry. She's considered Roger Coleman a son since he moved here two years ago. But, to police,
he's a killer on the run wanted for first degree murder.

“He's considered armed and very dangerous. We received information last night that he stopped at a home and reloaded his ammunition and took a box full of ammo,” said Lt. Rocky Johnson.

According to police, on Sunday evening, shortly before seven, Pat Green came to a house in the 1100 block of Ninth Avenue where Coleman was visiting friends. The two argued in the front yard and Coleman returned to the house. But, as Green turned to leave, Coleman came out with a gun and shot Green in the face.

He died a short time later at St. Mary's Medical Center. Now, Coleman is on the run, police hot on his trail.

“He wasn't that kind of guy," Diana said. "He was the kind of guy that came over and took out your trash. He was the kind of guy that stayed with me in the hospital when my husband almost died."

So, what was this argument over?

“The information we’re getting is it was over CDs. As far as we know, this is not drug-related,” said Lt. Johnson.

Whatever it was over, Diana has this plea for her very dear friend.

“Please turn yourself in. You need to come here and I’ll call the police, just turn yourself in before you get hurt,” said Diana.

Coleman is also wanted for a parole violation in Washington, D.C., that stems from drug trafficking charges in 1995.

If you see Coleman, police want you to call 911 immediately. If you have any information that could lead to Coleman, you can call the Huntington Police Dept. Tipline at (304) 696-4499.



UPDATE: Monday @ 11:27am
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Police in Huntington are searching for the man they say shot and killed another man Sunday evening.

Neighbors found the victim in the front yard of a home on 9th Avenue. He had been shot in the face. Police say 27-year-old James Patrick Green III was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center where he died.

During a Monday morning press conference, Huntington Police identified the shooter as 39-year-old Roger Coleman. Coleman is also wanted by U.S. Marshals in Washington, D.C., on drug trafficking charges and parole violations.

Huntington Police say Coleman should be considered very dangerous. They say he is armed with a handgun and extra ammunition. They believe he is still in the area.

Investigators say the shooting was apparently part of an ongoing feud between the two men. They say the shooting was not drug related, but over some CDs.

If you have any information about the suspect you can contact Huntington Police.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.



ORIGINAL STORY: Sunday
HUNTINGTON, W.Va (WSAZ) -- Police in Huntington are searching for the man they say shot and killed another man Sunday evening.

Neighbors found the victim in the front yard of a home on 9th Avenue. He had been shot in the head. Police identified him as James Patrick Green III.

He was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center and reportedly died just before 10 p.m.

Police are calling this a murder investigation. The suspect is a black male, about 6 feet 2 inches tall and 165 pounds. He's about 40 years old and has gray hair and a gray goatee.

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Huntington Police are holding a 10:30 press conference Monday morning to update the investigation.

If you have any information about the suspect you can contact Huntington Police.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.

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