Barnett Brothers Found Guilty

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Posted: 12:06 PM Aug 27, 2008
Last Updated: 5:16 AM Aug 28, 2008
Reporter: Dave Benton
Email Address: dave.benton@wsaz.com

33 comments

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UPDATE: Wednesday @ 6:40pm

The jury found Nathaniel & Phillip Barnett guilty of second degree murder. Their bonds have been revoked, and they will be taken to the Western Regional Jail. The Barnett brothers will be sentenced October 3.

UPDATE: Wednesday @ 3:50

The jury began deliberations at 3:50.
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UPDATE: Wednesday @ 3:30pm

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ)-- The defense has rested its case in the murder trial of two brothers charged with killing Deanna Crawford.

The defense did not call any witnesses. The prosecution rested its case shortly before noon.

Prosecutors and the attorneys for Nathaniel & Phillip Barnett then met with Judge Cummings in his chambers to discuss jury instructions.

Closing arguments are now underway. The defense says Dement lied about the Barnett brothers role in the crime so he could make a plea deal.

Prosecutor Chris Chiles says the jury needs to use reason & common sense. He says Dement told truth today under oath.

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UPDATE: Wednesday @ 12:00pm
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The trial for two brothers charged with the murder of Deanna Crawford continues Wednesday with a co-defendant on the witness stand.

25-year-old Nathaniel Barnett, and 28-year-old Phillip Barnett are the last two suspects to go on trial for Crawford’s death.

Crawford was found dead along a secluded road in Salt Rock in August 2002. Investigators say she had been beaten and strangled to death.

Earlier this year, Brian Dement got a 30 year sentence after pleading guilty to 2nd degree murder for his role in the crime. Wednesday morning, he is testifying as a prosecution witness against the brothers.

He told the court that he dragged Crawford out of the car, took her down a hill into some brush and hit her; but it was the Barnett brothers and another co-defendant, Justin Black, who beat and strangled her.

Black was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of 2nd degree murder earlier this summer.

Following Dements's testimony the prosecution rested its case. The defense expects to begin its case Wednesday afternoon.

The trial is taking place in Cabell County Circuit Court. It is expect to last through Thursday.

ORIGINAL STORY: Monday
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The first witnesses have taken the stand in the trial of two brothers charged with murder.

25-year-old Nathaniel Barnett, and 28-year-old Phillip Barnett are the last two suspects to go on trial for the death of Deanna Crawford.

Crawford was found dead along a secluded road in Salt Rock in August 2002. Investigators say she had been beaten and strangled to death.

Two other co-defendants in Crawford’s death have already been sentenced for their roles in the crime.

Justin Black was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of 2nd degree murder earlier this summer.

Brian Dement got a 30 year sentence after pleading guilty to 2nd degree murder.

Dement is expected to testify in the Barnett brothers trial.

Jury selection took most of Monday morning. The trial is expected to last through Thursday.

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The Barnett brothers are escorted from the Cabell County Court House after a jury found them guilty in the murder of Deanna Crawford

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Connie on Sep 2, 2008 at 03:28 AM
To all who believe these 4 defendants are innocent you all are very delusional.Deanna was my friend she wasn't a saint but who among us are? She made some real bad choices while she was on this planet but They had NO RIGHTS to attack and murder her in cold blood then leave her by a road like a piece of trash. Deanna was my friend,a mother to a beautiful little boy who will now have to live his life without her. Never knowing her how do you think he feels inside? Some of you say Justice was served and that her family and friends believe it is finally over you are DEAD wrong. These savages got 30 years and 40 years sentences but we got far worst:We were given life sentences by their selfish choices and actions in August'02. Oh sure they will be locked away that isn't real justice. FYI their families will be able to visit them every weekend,Talk to them on the phones get letters, hug them share holidays and events with them. While all we have is our memories,her son and a cold tombstone

Posted by: INNOCENT??? on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Are you people serious? Ive known all 3 of these boys for years and i know for a fact they are straight up trouble. So glad to know they are no longer on the streets and able to harm anyone else. I hope that they all have to serve the full time because they arent worthy of being out. ALSO, their families are nothing but a ring of thieves .

Posted by: anon on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:28 PM
It dosen't matter why! Ask Justin Black's mom why!! She knows!!

Posted by: Jeff on Aug 28, 2008 at 03:36 PM
I think justice has been served. My question is where were the Crawford parents when Deanna got involved ith prostitution and drugs??? Maybe none of this would have happened if they had tried to get help for there daughter. Do not get me wrong, this is a terrible thing but think of what the parents could have done to help prevent this from happening to her. Tough love is hard to give but all parents should think about these things and try and reach out to children who seem to be heading down the wrong road.

Posted by: Ashley on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:01 PM
to Just a Reader: Im fully aware there were other parties involved. I have followed this case since they found her body. I spoke with DeAnna 2 weeks before this horrible act took place. I was pulled over by HPD thinking I was trying to get with a pro, which I then told him I had went to HS with her and they didnt know her as DeAnna. Anyways, HPD didnt think of her as a Saint but when an unjust murder occurs the victim is no longer who they were before. The brothers and Justin and Brian, hopefully, will eventually come forward and spill the beans on the motivation or at least what provoked the act. So Actually the readers are right, this is injustice because we still dont know the why? Prosecutors are there to convict...If the Barnett family really wants to help their sons, then they should make a deal with prosecutors on giving the why....Other than that, the only thing I can say is RIP DEANNA. WE WILL ALWAYS MISS U & LOVE YOU!!!!! I HOPE YOUR WATCHING FROM ABOVE ANGEL.....

Posted by: anon on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:33 AM
For the lady who says they are not guilty.GET REAl!!! Everyone has known since this happened that they helped do this. I just can't believe it took them this long to arrest them! Everyone also knows what they were doing at Justin Black's mothers house and that they all deserve life in prison!! AWWW the poor murders

Posted by: They are not murderers on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:05 AM
i grew up with Justin and the Barnett boys and they WOULDNT hurt a female...i always felt safe around then and i wouldnt put anything past that Brian kid...he is bad news and the bad seed....i heart goes out to Justin, Muffy, and Phillip...they are good boys and its just not fair they are going to jail for something someone else has said....its pitaful....justice was not served....Heaven help the ones who have lied....

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Justice was NOT served. The Crawford family and the public can be satisfied with the fact they "think" the crime has been solved, but I know better. The Barnetts ARE innocent. I just hope someone cares enough to keep digging for the truth instead of settling for this verdict that was unjust. There was no physical evidence whatsoever. There was no consistency in the witnesseses as to details. The only consistency in the courtroom was the obvious lies of Brian Dement. No one is safe when someone can be sent to prison on someone's say-so. Does anyone care enough to keep this case open, because Deanna knows and God knows this case is unsolved regardless of what the court and public think just because a verdict was rendered. The Barnetts and other innocent people need our help that get sent to prison. If anyone knows anything whatsoever that can clear these boys, please get in touch with either the parents or their attorneys Laishley and Conrad.

Posted by: Isaac on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:55 AM
This lynne on aug,28 at12:03am needs to be in there with these monsters!! I can not believe she could even defend these cowards,read what she says and judge yourself? I can tell you now that I would give anything to be in a cell late at night with these two together!!! We would play a reinactment game but only I would be that girl!!! Things like these don't even deserve to be refered to as men! This other piece of crap that testified on them tried to hold up to his image of being a liar , he gave 3 different statements trying to hide his own involvement,that is how we know he has told the truth cause the only thing that never changed was the involvement of the two fat boys wobbleing into court!!This poor girl made a bad judgement to go anywhere with them two guys but she didn't deserve to die !!I personally will write the parole board everytime these two come up for parole and I think for everyones own family saftey you all better do the same!!!!

Posted by: Just Dumb on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:39 AM
You people are worried about what they said about someone hitting a camera. Get real a mother lost her daughter in a unthinkable way. All parties in this case deserve to die the same way.. just like the yeager case and the other woman after her murdered. take all these men and one woman out to pullman square let us take care of them.Justice would be done

Posted by: lynne on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:03 AM
I can't believe these brothers were found guilty. There was no evidence! What's wrong with our justice system? Scott and Nathan were found guilty by testomony given by a known lier. I have known these brothers since they were kids and I don't believe they are killers.Shame on the justice system. I hope they can appeal this verdict and then maybe they can get a fair trial. I do have sympathy for the Crawford family but sending innocent people to prison will not bring closure of any kind to anybody.

Posted by: mtn on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:02 AM
nice job chiles and the jury. the message is finally getting out there. the people of cabell county are tired of losers that kill people.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM
wi up

Posted by: Christy on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Criminal Defense 101. Call character witness and take the stand in your own defense. What was there attorney thinking. They didn't offer a defense. This one will be back on Appeal. Ineffective assistance of counsel.

Posted by: MeMe on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:41 PM
The girl you all are talking about, if it's the one I'm thinking about, her name was Angela Schneider, she was a friend of mine, and her murder is still, to this day, unsolved; and it has been at least 6 or more years. I went to school with Philip Barnett, and he is one bad seed! Always into fights, not only with students, but verbal fights with administration, and was constantly being called to the principals office, being suspended on almost a monthly basis. It's really sad to say, that we all should have seen this coming from him. However, I do pray for these guys. I pray that God will open their hearts and release the evil. And they should all 4 know, that what punishment they don't receive here on earth, will be extended into the afterlife. I pray for Deanna's family to know that God will assure justice is served! I am so sorry for the disregard of life that these boys have shown. My heart and prayers go out to Deanna's family and friends.

Posted by: Cara on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Nathan did NOT shove your camera away. It was the lady in white, Get the story srtaight. ALSO, all the attention doesnt need to be drawn to the barnett brothers, there were more people involved.

Posted by: just a reader on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:18 PM
thank you ashley, but i think you are forgetting who all were guilty. The brothers werent the only ones.

Posted by: aNoN on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Has anyone else noticed the size discrepencies between these men and Deanna? All of them are more than 200 pounds. I can't begin to imagine the terror Deanna endured. May she finally rest in peace and her family find some comfort that this nightmare is finally at the end of a very long road.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:36 PM
I pray for Deannas family especially for her mother,i know how she feels.Losing a child is the most hurtful and painful thing a mother can go through.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Brian Dement and I were very close and I could'nt Imagine him killing someone soley on his decision or at all.I pray for the family of the lost.I am sorry.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:51 PM
THANK GOD

Posted by: just a reader on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:34 PM
yes anon i do remember the story and yes they were quite a bit alike i dont know abut u but i dont think the barnett boys or justin black are guilty if i can find any info on the other murder i will let you know where you can find it

Posted by: Anon2 on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I don't believe Brian's account of the murder. I just don't see him sitting back and just watching, scared.....really! This guy has a history of beating up on girls. He was the first one to jump on the deal bandwagon. First jumper gets the best deal. Sorry, I just don't.

Posted by: Anon on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Does anybody, besides me, remember the girl they found murdered on the hill behind the hotels on 16th st (Hal Greer) several years ago? Police said that most people didn't know how to get to the place they found her body. Eerily similar, beating death if I remember correctly. I can't find anything about the story. Does anybody remember?

Posted by: Joanne on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Does anyone know why Deanna Crawford was murdered? What the motive was? Thanks. No where in the story does it reference the reasoning of the individuals responsible. I can't imagine the terror this young woman endured before dying.

Posted by: Ashley on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:59 PM
RIP Deanna...How could you listen to her scream and grunt, then check her pulse and not have a shred of guilt? These brothers deserve the same punishment if not the more! I went to HS w/ Deanna b4 things turned sour for her. She was a great, joyful person..Full of Life and you murderers took that from her and her only living legacy. These boys were so desperate they had to kill a female to feel like a man! Well who's the *itch now, Im glad to know every day in prison youll always have to watch ur backs or become a *itch yourself....

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:02 PM
hey does everyone know that Justin Black will be testifying this afternoon!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I THINK THAT IT IS GREAT THAT THEY TRY AND TALK TO THE GUYS. THE NEWS IS ONLY ASKING QUESTIONS. DID THE GUYS STOP WHEN DEANNA ASKED THEM TO.

Posted by: anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Hey can you report your reports right I did not see Nathan's Hand on your camera the woman walking in front punched your camera I think camera should not be in the courthouse at all

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:11 PM
MAYBE THERE WILL NOT BE ANY DELAYS THIS TIME SO THAT THE FAMILY CAN HAVE SOME TYPE OF CLOSURE.

Posted by: Darrell on Aug 25, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Do you honestly think these men are going to talk to you and anwer you nosy polls. You will find out what the outcome is when court is over. Quit begging for a story.

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