CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Authorities have released the cause of death for two women believed slain by a Clarksburg handyman.

Carolyn Sauerwein, 40, of Philippi, was shot twice in the head, Harrison County prosecutor Joe Shaffer said Friday. Carrie Lynn Baker, 26, of Clarksburg, died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Their bodies were identified by the state Medical Examiner's Office on Thursday, said Clarksburg police Lt. Robert Matheny.

Sauerwein was killed at James Childers' family property in Braxton County and Baker was killed in the bedroom of his house, Matheny said.

Sauerwein was reported missing on June 1, said Sgt. John Walters of the Philippi police. A surveillance tape from her apartment complex in Philippi shows her leaving the building on May 25, Walters said. Sauerwein and Childers had known each other since at least 2001, he said.

Sauerwein's car was found inside the city during the investigation of Childers, Matheny said.

Baker was reported missing on Oct. 10, Matheny said. In a letter and audiotape Childers mailed to police, he claims to have killed her in July 2008, Matheny said. Police say he likely killed her at his home in Clarksburg, which he admitted to burning down, along with three other buildings.

Childers killed himself earlier this month as police prepared to arrest him on arson and murder charges. Matheny got the note and two-hour audiotape from Childers in the mail on June 1. He claimed he'd committed four arsons and four or five homicides, Matheny said.

Reach Gary Harki at gha...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5163.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Authorities have released the cause of death for two women believed slain by a Clarksburg handyman.

Carolyn Sauerwein, 40, of Philippi, was shot twice in the head, Harrison County prosecutor Joe Shaffer said Friday. Carrie Lynn Baker, 26, of Clarksburg, died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Their bodies were identified by the state Medical Examiner's Office on Thursday, said Clarksburg police Lt. Robert Matheny.

Sauerwein was killed at James Childers' family property in Braxton County and Baker was killed in the bedroom of his house, Matheny said.

Sauerwein was reported missing on June 1, said Sgt. John Walters of the Philippi police. A surveillance tape from her apartment complex in Philippi shows her leaving the building on May 25, Walters said. Sauerwein and Childers had known each other since at least 2001, he said.

Sauerwein's car was found inside the city during the investigation of Childers, Matheny said.

Baker was reported missing on Oct. 10, Matheny said. In a letter and audiotape Childers mailed to police, he claims to have killed her in July 2008, Matheny said. Police say he likely killed her at his home in Clarksburg, which he admitted to burning down, along with three other buildings.

Childers killed himself earlier this month as police prepared to arrest him on arson and murder charges. Matheny got the note and two-hour audiotape from Childers in the mail on June 1. He claimed he'd committed four arsons and four or five homicides, Matheny said.

Reach Gary Harki at gha...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5163.