"We have a suspect in custody, no formal charges have been filed against him at this time," said Richlands Police Chief William Puckett. "However, he is in custody on other unrelated matters."

Police launched their investigation Tuesday when 69-year-old John Wargo from War, West Virginia was discovered dead in Room 24 of the Hilltop Motel in Richlands.  Wargo had been reported missing the night before by his family back in McDowell County.   Police say he checked into had checked into the motel Monday morning.  

"It became suspicious when we could not locate his car there after his body was discovered," said Puckett.

Police are holding their evidence in the matter close to the vest and are not identifying the man in custody who is believed to be a suspect.  

"We are focused in on him, but I can tell you we do not believe there is any additional public safety threat to the community," Puckett said.

Puckett's department still has a double-murder under investigation from earlier this year and neighboring Buchanan County had three murders this week.   Puckett says they have no evidence that suggest Wargo's death was connected to any of those other cases. 

Police are awaiting a report from the Virginia Medical Examiner and will likely present any charges against he suspect to the next Tazwell County, Virginia grand jury.