Man questioned in woman’s disappearance

By Jimmy LaRoue

Published: August 7, 2008

Authorities twice have questioned a Crimora man in the disappearance of his live-in girlfriend less than five years after his wife’s killing, Augusta County Sheriff Randy Fisher said Thursday.
During initial questioning, Charles Melvin Spencer, 61, was cooperative but in a second round “not so cooperative,” Fisher said.
Margaret Gail-Stamper White, 35, was reported missing July 29 by her mother, Joyce Stamper, of Anawalt, W.Va. White lived with Spencer at 53 Spencer Lane, where she was last seen a month earlier, authorities said.
Spencer told authorities he woke up one morning to find White gone and has not heard from her since, Fisher said.
Authorities said she has been missing since mid-May, when contact broke off between her and her relatives in West Virginia.
“She’s been gone for a period of time,” Fisher said, “but during the period of time she’s been absent from her home in West Virginia, she’s always had contact with the family.”
Attempts to reach White’s mother and Spencer were unsuccessful.
JoAnne Spencer lived with Charles Melvin Spencer in the same white house nestled off a gravel road. A “No Trespassing” sign guards the gate. JoAnne Spencer disappeared in December 2003 and was found shot to death six weeks later. Her husband was a suspect in the crime, according to a search warrant, but never was charged.
Authorities declined to say whether they suspect any wrongdoing in the disappearance of White.
White left behind a cell phone and has no known means of transportation, Fisher said. Sheriff’s deputies inspected the home at Spencer Lane and found many of White’s personal belongings.
Because White has neither credit cards nor a bank account, the sheriff’s office has decided to list White as missing/endangered.
Fisher said White’s family has been “very much forthcoming.
“We feel they’ve been very truthful. They’ve been very helpful,” Fisher said.
White is described as 5 feet, 2 inches tall, and 110 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes
Anyone with information regarding White’s whereabouts should contact the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at 245-5333.
NBC29 contributed to this report.