Man Pleads Guilty to Mason County Murder
Man Pleads Guilty to Mason County Murder Save Email Print
Posted: 2:14 PM Jan 5, 2009
 Last Updated: 2:46 PM Jan 5, 2009
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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COLUMBUS. Ohio (WSAZ) -- A Columbus, Ohio, man pleaded guilty to his role in the shooting death of a Mason, West Virginia, drug dealer.

48-year-old Michael Haynie entered the plea in U.S. District court in Columbus.

Christopher Roush was found shot to death at this house in Mason, West Virginia, back in June.

In the plea, Haynie said he and another man drove to Roush’s house in order to rob him of money and drugs. Haynie said after entering the house, he struck one of the people inside with a gun. The gun discharged, firing a round into the ceiling.

Haynie then admitted that he struck the man again with the firearm, which again discharged the gun. This time, the bullet hit Roush in the head, killing him.

Haynie said he then fled without money or drugs.

Haynie pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel to commit a crime which resulted in the death of another. This is punishable by up to life imprisonment.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of murder with a firearm, punishable by a mandatory term of ten years and up to life imprisonment. He also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.

No sentencing date was set.

Columbus Police arrested Haynie back in July on an unrelated warrant from West Virginia. He has been in custody since his arrest.

WEB EXTRA: read the statement of facts and the plea agreement. Click on the links above
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Posted by: tiredandwornout on Jan 18, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Brenda, stay strong. Praying for you and your family.
Posted by: Brenda, Chris' Mom on Jan 17, 2009 at 12:39 AM
To Concerned-do I pick up a compliment in your last posting? I'm not sure what hutzpah means. I believe in God and I believe this happened for a reason other than Chris' stupidity to be messed up with people of this sort. He was raised from a very loving family, spoiled somewhat by some's standards but he was my son and I loved him unconditionally. We can't stop loving our kids because we don't agree with what they do. We wouldn't be much of a parent. I think about Chris and this situation everyday and I watch how it has aged his Dad and how it has torn us all to pieces, it sickens me. Such a waste of young men's lives. I have no idea what's going to be said in the trials to come in Columbus but I'll need every ounce of strength and prayer I can get. My whole family will, too. There is good and evil all around us and I have to turn this into something positive. I said if one person told me they're clean because of what happened to Chris I will feel somewhat better. Please pray for us.
Posted by: Concerned in Ohio on Jan 16, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Brenda--I must say you are a woman of strong beliefs as I. I wish we could have met under different circumstances as I think you have hutzpah--and I hope for you the best in this terrible nightmare. The debate we have had back and forth shows me and it should show you that you have the strength to withstand whatever is thrown your way. America is a wonderful country when people can have and share their opinions. Let's just hope it gives you the justice your looking for. But realize that whatever "justice" comes these thugs ways--it will in no way take away your pain. Take care and keep the fight. I'll be thinking of you in my prayers.
Posted by: Brenda, Chris' Mom on Jan 15, 2009 at 09:50 PM
To Concerned-my son never had money unless he was working so he must not have been successful. He had $10.74 in his pocket when he was murdered. Now he's gone, never to see again in this life, Adam's life is over if he's convicted and so is Lacey's if he is convicted. Chris was a night owl before he got into drugs. He came by that honestly as I stay up half the night and I still get up and go to work everyday. It's getting harder and harder for me to want to go into work. Maybe it's true for the successful dealers who have the pocketful of money. It happens that way in the movies. Chris' murder came straight out of a movie, too. Nobody gains anything in the drug world. I think they are always watching their back wondering when they're going to be caught. I know horrible things are going to be said at the trial and I only can hope and pray my family and I are strong enough to go through this whole mess. Please continue to pray for my family and all the others in this life who need prayer
Posted by: Concerned in Ohio on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Absolutely, I believe they love their "lifestyle"--never having to get up and go to work...stay up all night --doing whatever it is their doing..and always a pocketful of money...they thrive on the power it gives them...
Posted by: Brenda, Chris' Mom on Jan 13, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Yesterday was supposed to be the trial date for the driver but it was continued because of the shooter's "guilty" plea. They needed more time to prepare their defense. The sentencing and trials should start sometime in March, no set date. I wrote an article and asked Charlene to put it in the Sentinel. I'm glad it made it in Tuesday's. My purpose was to praise Rick and Adam and other's involved in the case. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but I wish you would stop and think what you're saying. You've either not had anyone in your family involved with drugs or you're just cold hearted. I feel bad for you that you have to take a tragedy such as this to state your negative, hurtful comments. These kids need help and someone in their corner,not negativity and putting them down. They all have hearts and need guidance. Do you honestly think they like their lifestyle? Unless they grew up around it and that's all they know, I think not. Thanks for all the prayers. Please continue.
Posted by: tiredandwornout on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Tough Love DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. Brenda, as always, I am thinking of you.
Posted by: Brenda, Chris' Mom on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:01 PM
To Concerned in Ohio---I am sorry your family was touched by the drugs. I'm glad you were able to help them with tough love. I couldn't do that to Chris. I couldn't turn my back on him and let him battle it out on his own because I didn't know if he could have or not. I wasn't willing to take that chance but I've lost my only son. It's a world I knew nothing about only what I saw in the movies. I could never understand how all these kids who came from good families could be so messed up with drugs. I've listened to these kids say there's nothing else for them here. Why is that? It is by their choice, I know, but there's not a day goes by I don't think of Chris and addicts who get started by pain pills or marijuana and before they know it, they're sucked in so bad they can't see their way out. I still say locking them up is not the answer. They need a way out. Please continue to pray for these kids and their addiction. We all have to help each other. It's the only way to survive.
Posted by: Meigs county on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Brenda, I believe today was the trial date...can you fill us in on anything new? I have been praying for you and your family from the beginning and I always come back to these stories to read your postings. To Concerned in Ohio, as someone who has had several friends and family members with drug problems, I don't believe you can just turn your back on them. I agree with your point of tough love, but not totally rejecting the person. By doing that, you just leave them to their own devices to dig a bigger hole. They are left with nothing other than the people they need to get away from. Do you think that's what they really need? Do you think that's where they will get the help, love and support they need? If your people assumed you turned your back on them, then how were they ever to know you actually didn't? Give it a rest and leave Brenda alone. She's a strong woman and I can tell from reading all of her posts, she is a great mother you truly loves her children.
Posted by: Concerned in Ohio on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:49 AM
I have had many people in my family on drugs at one time or another...tough love is what you call it ...you walk away from them no matter how hard...its the best way..We have had some who have had needles hanging from their arm and popping pills at the same time...believe me I know it's not easy, but you have to do it..and please don't use such remarks as "walk on water" only Jesus was able to do that...no one said he deserved to die..as I said I have lost loved ones too..and I never said I wished "bad things" to happen to these people..dont be self righteous, but you are keeping your head buried in the sand if you didn't know what was going on..I always knew what was going on...I could tell you who their friends were..if it meant I followed them I did..but they never knew it...they had assumed I had turned my back on them which wasn't the case and after many agonizing nights of prayer they seen the light...I only wish it could have happened for you.
Posted by: Brenda, Chris' Mom on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:40 PM
To Foxy, Pablo and Concerned in Ohio--I pray that you never have someone you love messed up on drugs. You must walk on water but you know nothing about what these kids on drugs go through, the torment, the self loathing, the hopelessness. I know Chris was a wonderful son who got sucked into drugs and did not deserve to die. No one deserves to die the way he did. He was brought up in a church and he was saved but got away from it as he grew older. It's a personal choice. I know other parents have lost their children. It's the worst thing ever to happen to me. Parents aren't supposed to bury their children it's supposed to be the other way around. I only ask that you not judge and wish bad things to happen to people on drugs. They have a heart and soul and need love and suppport. Please continue to pray for my family as we go through each day and to anyone who thinks it easy how about working with these kids and showing them how to "just do it." Ask an addict how easy it is. It isn't!
Posted by: anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:56 AM
what we all need to remember is there were many lives ruined when Chris lost his life. what kind of parents did michael haynie have, where are they? What about mcclelland, does he have brothers and sisters or grandparents who love him? i dont pretend to take up for any of them but when an irreversible tragedy such as this happens we must remember all involved. please pray as i will that they will eventually find peace and some sense of understanding and compassion. God bless
Posted by: Foxy on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Yes, it is what it is...one drug dealer killing another drug dealer. If they WANT help, they will get it. Sorry excuses does not help a druggie. Stop making excuses for them. They KNOW what they are doing and they WANT to do it. Money and fame and power is what they are after. They LIE, CHEAT, STEAL AND KILL. END OF STORY.
Posted by: Concerned in Ohio on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:12 AM
As I said, it is what it is..call a spade a spade..tired of the excuse of drugs..get a job...go to church...quit the easy life and thats all it was -- an easy life of money. Because if someone wants to quit they quit. friends don't "suck" you in...you stay away from them..if they come to your house...you have them leave if they don't..you lock the door and get in the car and you leave and you don't go where the friends live or hang out...it may be hard, but that's what you do...I've seen it done and I know for a fact it can be done...but let's not bury our heads in the sand..it is what it is...final
Posted by: Brenda, Chris' Mom on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:56 PM
I am so saddened by the comments below. Did you even know Chris? Everyone is always quick to judge. I have pleaded with all of you on drugs. It's a sickness that is ongoing and so hard to kick without help and support of loved ones. We all loved Christopher and he was a good person. When he lost his job he turned to drugs. He wanted out! When your so called "friends" keep sucking you in this is what happens. His death is horrific! It is the hardest thing I've ever had to face. Please don't comment bad things about people on drugs. They need support to get through the tough times. It isn't something you just quit. Don't let Chris' death be in vain. It doesn't end with this guilty plea. We are spared one trial but what about Adam and Lacy? We still have to go through that. Please tuck us up in your prayers. I don't know who Sara M is but your whole comment is nothing but lies! Chris may have known Adam but not "Mike" as you called him. Maybe you should come forward and tell what you know
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:43 AM
The drug dealers shooting each other is the only way to get them out of here because the local law enforcement isn't doing anything. They say they are, but really they are NOT.
Posted by: Pablo on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:33 AM
There is drug problems in every town, no matter how small. But the police just can't go door to door doing searches to find it. They cannot just take someone's word that "they are dealing in drugs over there." They need proof. Are you willing to "put your name on paper" and swear that you know, for fact, that drugs are being dealt/used at some place or another? How would you like the police to bash down your door and search your house just because the police said someone said they thought something illegal was being done in your home? I'm not taking up for drug dealers as most in here know my opinion on drug dealers (execute them), but what I'm doing is telling you, law enforcement, by our Constitution and laws, cannot just search someone or someplace because they suspect illegal drugs. Most police and law enforcement agencies are doing the best they can about illegal drugs with the amount of money they have. Are you willing to pay more for this type of police protection?
Posted by: adam ant on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:59 PM
thats what people get when they sell pain pills to thugs, go on back to florida and get ya some more!!
Posted by: Doug Cox on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:27 PM
sounds like its alot like FortGay nothin but a bunch of drunks an drug heads runnin around
Posted by: sarah m on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:05 PM
chris and mike was good friends and then drugs got involved and i guess mike needed money then things got outta hand, chris and them was good peoples and will be stearnly missed with great authority. bless you.
Posted by: Mason Resident on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:57 PM
What is the town of Mason doing to combat the drug problem? You never see any drug arrest made. And it's not because it is being reported. If nothing is done, this won't be the last murder in this small town.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:30 PM
I'm so glad that parts of this are coming to a close. Now, let's work on getting the rest of the low lifes that have ANY part in this, including his so called "friends". You guys know who are, we all do. Nothing can be hidden forever...people always have a tendency to talk. Brenda, you've been a strong woman and God has taken care of you through all this. The power of prayer is remarkable. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by: Concerned in Ohio on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:53 PM
I am just glad it's over...it is what it is.
Posted by: Pablo on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:22 PM
What this scum needs is a public exectuion. When will our governor and state legislature give us the correct and just punishment some of these crimes warrent?
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