Elderly Woman Dismembered, Caretaker Charged

FREDERICK COUNTY, Va. — A caretaker has been charged with murder after body parts were located in the search for an elderly Frederick County woman who had been missing for three days.

Frances Charlene Moss-Hopkins, 55, is charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.

The search for Peggy "Peg" Sinclair, 85, began early June 18, with a report that she went missing from her home in the overnight hours. Her walker was found near a highway in Clarke County, Va. Search parties spent days searching for the woman, using dogs, ATVs, a Maryland State Police helicopter and searches on foot by first responders and volunteers.

Law enforcement in Hampshire County, W.Va., recovered human remains Tuesday. Investigators believe the body was dismembered and dumped, according to the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office.

After expanding the search area on Wednesday, additional evidence was recovered that led investigators to believe evidence and other body parts were burned near the area where the remains were found, according to authorities.

Moss-Hopkins directed law enforcement to the area where they found the remains, according to The Northern Virginia Daily, but not before a confusing and contradictory set of interviews regarding the last time she saw Sinclair.

At first, Moss-Hopkins allegedly claimed she'd left the home with sheets and rugs soiled after Sinclair had gotten sick and cut herself while peeling an apple. She claimed she'd also picked up a hitchhiker to explain the trip to West Virginia. Moss Hopkins later allegedly claimed she'd found Sinclair with a head injury and a hammer in her hand, lying in the floor of the home, according to the Daily report.