RITCHIE MAN GETS LIFE FOR MURDER

(06/08/2005)
Ritchie County resident Don Lanham has been sentenced for the murder of Jon Broadwater. The shooting occurred slightly over one year ago.

Attorney George Cosenza failed to get a new trial for Lanham.

"Mr. Lanham, do you wish to say anything before we proceed with sentencing?" asked Judge Robert Holland.

Lanham responded "No."

The jury, in its verdict, did not recommend considering parole for Lanham after 10 years of his sentence was served.

Lanham will serve life in prison for the first-degree murder of Broadwater.

Added to that sentence, another one to five years for unlawful assault for the shooting of Bucky Moore, in whose house the murder happened.

Ritchie County prosecutor Steve Jones said "They're tormented by the events of that day, and they continue to suffer a great loss," referring to the victims' families. "They're satisfied with what has happened in court, but it will never take away from what was done on that day."

Lanham still has the right to appeal his conviction.

He will serve the sentence in the West Virginia Penitentiary.