Moundsville Cont'd - Rebecca Muller

prisoners to the guards. In doing so, he felt superior and more important within his position. His poor choices led to his brutal death; a group prisoners stabbed him multiple times, allegedly taking place in the restroom of the maintenance area. It has been reported that his ghost has been seen many times walking throughout the maintenance area, sometimes oblivious to those who see him, and sometimes keeping a watchful eye on investigators of which he assumes to be irresponsible prisoners.

During our investigation of the maintenance hole where the employee was allegedly murdered, the photo (see above) was taken in the middle of many other photos of this area, and this one photo depicts paranormal energy or mist that manifested, almost in the shape of a human, during our visit.

The most well-known ghost story of the maintenance hole pertains to the maintenance employee who made sure to constantly report the wrong-doings of

Below are photos taken in what we understand to be the juvenile ward of the prison. On the door entering into the large room is the inscription: Juveniles. We also take into consideration the fact that on a couple of tours ex-guards told us that this was also used to house the elderly at some time. Regardless of who was housed here, it seems to be an active area of the facility.

Taking into consideration the people, movement and sounds that were in the room with us, what we experienced paranormally included footsteps, shuffling, voices in close proximity, being touched, and at one point while using the dowsing rods near the front door, we asked to show us proof by making a noise or moving something – the door slammed closed. We captured many EVPs in this area and what we believe to be some paranormal anomalies, orbs and other strange type lights.

In order to view the pictures better by enlarging them, click on each photo below. Note the first photo to the far left. At this time we were using our dowsing rods and asking the spirit to manifest for our photos. We then asked it to prove that it could interact with us, and at this time, the door past the chair to the right slammed closed. We also captured the orb you see in this photo seconds after the door slammed shut.

The following photos were taken within the infirmary, also known as the area where the criminally insane were housed. In the large open room, we took continuous photos following what we believe to be paranormal orbs as they moved from one side of the room to the other. Stories were told of forms of hydrotherapy, though torturous, that once took place in this bathtub. There is also at least one record of a male prisoner who was left alone while bathing in this tub and successfully committed suicide while the nurse and guards turned their backs.

In the photos below, you can see how dangerous the inmates in Rat Row were considered, therefore, the fencing was installed all around their cellblocks and where the food was served. The prisoners did not eat at these tables, they ate in their cells, but the food was brought to these tables for the guards to organize and serve it to the inmates. After experiencing some very odd noises in this area when we could account for the three people with us, we captured some EVPs as well as paranormal anomalies on film.

A section of 32 sells known commonly as “Rat Row” sits along side the Administration building, and the prisoners housed in this section did not mix well with the general population. Rat Row was a sort of protective custody; either these inmates were too great of a danger to themselves, or far more of a danger to others. The most popular inmate of Rat Row was Aryan Brotherhood leader, Red Snyder who was brutally murdered by a fellow Rat Row prisoner. When the cell doors were unlocked, Rusty Lassiter stabbed Red 37 times by the time guards drew their gun to stop the attack, which was initiated due to a fight over the gang’s leadership. To the left is a photo of Red Snyder's cell where he lived and was murdered,

The basement area known as the “Sugar Shack” was actually an indoor recreational area for the prisoners when the weather outside was too severe. Though the large room was intended for recreational purposes only with very limited guard patrol, its walls hold some of the worst secrets of the West Virginia State Penitentiary. Rape took place, as well as vicious fighting and murders including rituals and human sacrificing. Note the paintings on the walls. Some of these were actually created by talented inmates, while most were painted by a production crew to add an eerie factor to the MTv series, Fear.

For over one hundred twenty-five years, the West Virginia Penitentiary housed the most violent criminals in the state and was once known as the bloodiest institution in the nation. Today the retired facility lends itself to historical and educational tours by day, and ghost hunts and night tours on weekend nights.

The former West Virginia Penitentiary is located in the heart of the Ohio Valley, just south of Pittsburgh, PA and ninety minutes from Columbus, OH. It is a unique facility with a rich history and distinctive character.

Only by visiting the gothic-style fortress located in the heart of historic Moundsville, WV, will you be able to appreciate the expansive structure that took over 91 years to complete. Ninety minute Day Tours are conducted April through November, Tuesday through Sunday from 11am – 4pm.
~ www.wvpentours.com

Moundsville Prison Cont'd