Barnett Brothers Found Guilty
Save Email Print
Updated: 5:16 AM Aug 28, 2008
Barnett Brothers Found Guilty
A jury in Cabell County returned guilty verdicts against two brothers charged with the murder of Deanna Crawford. WEB EXTRA: watch video of the Barnett brothers entering court & Brian Dement's testimony
Posted: 12:06 PM Aug 27, 2008
Reporter: Dave Benton
Email Address: dave.benton@wsaz.com
The Barnett brothers are escorted from the Cabell County Court House after a jury found them guilty in the murder of Deanna Crawford
Font Size:

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 Their bonds have been revoked, and they will be taken to the Western Regional Jail.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.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.COM for the latest information.

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.

Keep clicking to WSAZ.COM for the latest information

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.

[ Copyright 2009 – WSAZ.com. All Rights Reserved. ]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Severe Weather and Breaking News Coverage

To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail news@wsaz.com


Latest Comments

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
[ Report Abuse ]
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 .
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: anon on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:28 PM

It dosen't matter why! Ask Justin Black's mom why!! She knows!!
[ Report Abuse ]
WSAZ West Virginia News Headlines Widget
Add WSAZ West Virginia Headlines to your website or social networking page. Click “options” to get the code.

Call To Check Road Conditions

·WEST VIRGINIA: (877) 982-7623

·KENTUCKY: (866) 737-3767

·OHIO: (888) 264-7623

Click here for online road conditions


WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
WSAZ Olympic Zone web channel
Full 2010 Olympic coverage from the WSAZ Olympic Zone. Coverage begins Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30p with the Opening Ceremony on WSAZ
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
A glittering holiday show full of fun and surprises for the whole family! Children thrill as Santa takes them on a magical ride to his workshop.
Healthy Connections Healthy Connections
Find a local health professional
Moms4Moms Mom4Moms
A collection of resources here to help Moms weather the daily storms that come along with parenting.
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs
Healthy Tri-State
Tips to live a healthier lifestyle