W.Va. man accused of kidnapping, torturing, and burning woman with a torch

PHILIPPI, W.Va. (TCD) -- A 47-year-old man allegedly kidnapped a woman and held her captive for several hours as he beat and tortured her.

According to a statement, on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Philippi Police Department officers, Barbour County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and West Virginia State Police troopers reportedly went to the Anglin Run Subdivision to investigate a 911 call. Law enforcement officials subsequently arrested Sammy Martz on a kidnapping charge and alleged a female victim was held hostage for "four to five hours."

Officers reportedly found a "substantial amount of methamphetamine" in Martz’s home as well.

According to court documents cited by WBOY-TV, the victim managed to escape and seek shelter under a neighbor’s porch until officers arrived. The woman, who remained unnamed, reportedly told police Martz had "hit her in the face" and her "eye was swollen shut."

The criminal complaint reportedly said Martz allegedly "threatened to kill her and had burnt her with a torch on her stomach and her leg."

The victim reportedly told deputies and officers Martz had a gun in his possession, and they "converged on the residence."

Martz reportedly surrendered and confessed to police he burned the victim "with a torch on at least three occasions."

WBOY reports the woman said Martz "tortured her by striking her all over her body, sitting on her and burning her with a butane torch."

Martz is currently in custody at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail and is being held without bond.

MORE:

• Philippi Police Department Facebook
• Philippi man arrested after allegedly kidnapping, torturing woman - WBOY
• West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation