PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!
Catoya D. Dalton was a victim of domestic violence. She was repeatedly and violently physically abused by her boyfriend. Some of us knew the gruesome details but could not get her to leave. Catoya had said he would kill her. So we gave her unconditional love and support telling her when she was ready, we would be there.

Thru the guilt, sadness, and confusion, we must now accept that Catoya knew her fate. Matt alone found her and reported her death. So that guilt, sadness and confusion has now turned to anger and frustration. This anger and frustration is not only toward Matt but to the organizations who have failed Catoya in her death.

Despite countless calls, witness accounts, a history of EPOs and neighbor’s calls due to domestic violence; the Huntington Police Department, opened and closed their case in 24 hours. I took the only call from Matt to the family and personally spoke to the EMT on the scene; telling him Matt was extremely abusive and Catoya was a healthy 40 year old. The police have never called me to ask me why I would say such.

The Cabel County Medical Examiner, who was extremely rude to Catoyas brother in his time of immense grief, deemed the death of natural causes from Hypertension. She refused an autopsy. Despite the WV State Code stating an autopsy must be done if someone the age of 40 passes without the presence of a physician or the family requests an autopsy, the Chief Medical examiner would not order such.

In fact, he stated the family’s only recourse was thru the police, who could request such; and if the family wanted an autopsy, it would be $5000 out of their pocket. So unless you have money, you can never question a WV medical examiner or ask them to investigate your loved ones death? Even we were asked if we wanted one with Jakob. So why is there a fatality review board? What is their purpose?

So many question but we are simply left with sadness, guilt, confusion, frustration and anger! I will be filing complaints with the DHHR division over the ME office, the national medical examiners board, the attorney general and the cabel county prosecutor attorneys office. Catoya may not have been ready but her family is! Written by Melinda Gonza'lez Cooper

We demand a full investigation in to the death of our friend Catoya Dalton. Including an autopsy, including a hair strand toxicology test! Investigation into Matthew Gonzales. The many times police were involved with the couple and disciplinary action taken by the Cabell County Board of Education. There are people who witnessed the abuse, talk to them. Do your job. We should be grieving, right now, but can't due to worrying about a killer getting away with murder. There is enough evidence proving his abuse, therefore, an investigation into her death is necessary, at least, she DESERVES THAT!!  

PLEASE HELP!!