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 Their bonds have been revoked, and they will be taken to the Western Regional Jail.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.
Save
Email
Print
33 comments
Photos
){kind=small}
