The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 15, 2012

Beckley man pleads guilty to attempted murder

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

A Beckley man pleaded guilty to attempted first degree murder Tuesday before Raleigh County Circuit Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick.

Eric Christian Morris, 23, of Mool Avenue, now faces three to 15 years in prison.

Morris was charged in October 2010 with attempted first degree murder and six counts of malicious wounding by use of a firearm.

Assistant prosecutor Tom Truman said Morris had a running feud with the victim and the two ran into each other one day in October 2010. The victim left his car to talk to Morris, but then Morris shot him. Truman said after the victim was on the ground, Morris fired an additional six shots.

Morris will be sentenced Jan. 17 before Judge Kirkpatrick.

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Douglas Wesley Hager Jr., 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a felony (transferring stolen property) Tuesday before Raleigh County Circuit Judge John A. Hutchison.

Assistant prosecutor Andy Dimlich said Hager was sentenced to serve one to five years in prison.

Judge Hutchison also ordered that home confinement be revoked for Bobby Lee Hall, who was convicted of third offense DUI.

Hall is now being housed at Southern Regional Jail until he can enter a long-term rehabilitation facility.

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

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