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Murder of West Virginia Mother Unfolds After Troubled Relationship with Employer
Mom-of-three packed up her life and moved to West Virginia for a new job then boss did the unthinkable when their relationship soured
Image: Mail Online
Angel Whitaker, a 37-year-old mother of three, was reported missing after moving to Bluefield, West Virginia for a job. Her former boss and alleged romantic partner, Donald Pennington, has been arrested for her murder after she was found dead in Virginia. The case highlights issues of domestic violence and trust.
- 01Angel Whitaker relocated to Bluefield, West Virginia, for an assistant manager position at O'Reilly Autoparts in January 2026.
- 02Donald Pennington, 59, was both her boss and alleged romantic partner, with their relationship deteriorating prior to her disappearance.
- 03Whitaker was last seen on April 17, 2026, when she reportedly showed up to work intoxicated.
- 04Pennington has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a body after investigators linked him to Whitaker's death through various evidence.
- 05Whitaker's three children have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and seek justice for their mother.
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Angel Whitaker, a 37-year-old mother of three, moved from Bristol to Bluefield, West Virginia, for a job at O'Reilly Autoparts. She was reported missing on May 4, 2026, after her sister Angela revealed that no one had heard from her since April. Whitaker had been hired by Donald Pennington, 59, who was not only her boss but also believed to be her romantic partner. Their relationship soured, leading Whitaker to stay in a hotel to escape him. Investigators found evidence linking Pennington to her murder, including witness statements and social media messages. Allegedly, he confessed to his ex-girlfriend that he had killed Whitaker after a confrontation. Her body was discovered in Bastian, Virginia, 18 miles from her home, after the ex-girlfriend led police to the site. Pennington has been charged with second-degree murder and is currently held at a correctional facility. Whitaker's children have started a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs and express their grief over their mother's tragic death.
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The case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the tragic consequences of trusting the wrong person.
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