When a West Virginia woman leaves a bar with a former police officer on a winter night in 2022, she’s never seen again. Diligent investigators close in on an ex-cop with an unlikely story and an unsettling reputation in this episode of Last Seen Alive.
MAY 2026 UPDATE: Following the discovery of remains since proven to be Gretchen’s, investigators have arrested her accused killer, Preston Pierce, on the following charges related to her death: kidnapping, felony murder, first degree murder and concealment of a deceased human body. An update episode on Gretchen’s case will air on 6/8/2026.
Gretchen Fleming was 27-years-old when she went missing from her home town of Parkersburg, West Virginia on the night of December 4th, 2022. Her remains were located in Wirt County, WV in September of 2025. Image source: family photo.Gretchen was last seen at this building, which at the time was operating as the My Way Sports Bar and Lounge. She left with a middle-aged male who was later identified as a former police officer with an unsettling reputation. My Way staff provided invaluable security footage to investigators, and assisted in IDing the man Gretchen was last seen with. According to its Google listing, My Way has since closed permanently. Image source: Google Maps.Gretchen is remembered as being social, quick to make friends and creative, with a flair for fashion and make-up. Image source: family photo.Pictured: the Parkersburg, West Virginia home that the man Gretchen was last seen with was living in at the time of her disappearance. Investigators secured a warrant and thoroughly searched the home. Their findings have not been publicly disclosed. Image source: Google Maps.Gretchen is badly missed by her friends and family, including her parents, grandparents and younger siblings. Before her disappearance, she was considering changing career paths and becoming a flight attendant. Image source: family photo.Preston Pierce was indicted on charges related to Gretchen’s murder on 5/15/2026, and taken into custody. US Marshals located him in Asheville, NC. Image source: US Marshals.
If you have any information on the disappearance of Gretchen Fleming, please call the Parkersburg Police Department at 304-424-8444. If you wish to submit a tip anonymously, you can do so online at ppd.parkersburgwv.gov.
LAST SEEN ALIVE 
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