The Death of Cecil Hellems: A WV Penitentiary Story

Tombstone of Cecil Hellems at Mt. Baptist Church Photo by Find-a-Grave Contributor, Jean Stewart Source

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a non-paranormal story from the former West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville. While the prison is obviously known for its haunted reputation, I like to explore the normal, everyday operations of the prison, and the lives of those who called it home. Unfortunately, death was a major part of life in the old prison. Men were murdered or died from disease. Some took their own lives. It’s important to document these stories, no matter how tragic, before they are lost to history. 

Cecil H. Hellems was born on February 28, 1938, to parents Kenneth and Idella in Quinwood, WV. This would be where he would make his home the majority of his life, even attending services at the Baptist Church. Regrettably, Cecil couldn’t stay out of trouble. 

In 1962, Cecil, his brother Lorren/Loren, and a third man were indicted in Greenbrier County for felony larceny in the amount of $190 from the property of Harry Woolridge and Gilmer White. He was again indicted in 1967 for forgery. It is unclear if it was this incident or a separate charge that led him to being sentenced to 1-10 years in the state penitentiary the following year for passing forged checks in Nicholas County. Either way, on November 25, 1968, Cecil became an official resident of Moundsville.

Less than two years later, tragedy struck.  During roll call on April 21, 1970, Cecil was found in his cell by guards at 6:45 am, deceased. He had allegedly strangled himself with strips of bed linen. No note was left behind, and no clues were ever given as to why he’d want to take his own life. However, no autopsy was performed, and suicide was listed as the official cause of death. 

Apparently, there had been no less than five violent deaths within the past 18 months at the penitentiary, and Cecil’s death followed just weeks after the murder of another inmate, David Painter. The warden was quick to dismiss any theories that the deaths were related in any way. The two were housed in separate units in the prison and should have had minimal to no contact or connections that anyone was aware of.

Cecil’s family claimed his body, and he was taken home to be buried in Mt. Baptist Church Cemetery in Carl, WV. Rev. Pearly Orrdorff presided over the funeral services. Cecil was just 32 years old. Sentenced for a non-violent offense, he met his end at one of the most violent prisons in the country. Hopefully, his soul is at peace.

*MORE WV STATE PEN ARTICLES HERE*

Death Certificate of Cecil H. Hellems Source: WV State Archives Vital Statistics

22 April 1970 The Dominion News (Morgantown, WV)

23 April 1970 Beckley Post-Herald