The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Today's Front Page

January 16, 2013

Belknap pleads not guilty; trial set for April

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

A Nicholas County man accused of quadruple homicide pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday.

James Roy Belknap, 27, of Leivasy, is suspected of murdering Steven Hendrix, his girlfriend Amber Martin, and Hendrix’s two children Dakota, 6, and Kaylee, 4.

Police say the victims, who were allegedly killed because of drug debt, were shot to death, stripped naked, and their bodies dumped less than a mile from Belknap’s residence.

Belknap was arrested in May after a three-day search. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing in July.

His girlfriend, Carrie Nelson, 31, was arrested in June and charged with four felony counts of accessory after the fact. She was released on bond.

Wanda Einstein, 48, of Summersville, was also charged with four counts of accessory after the fact and has since been released on $300,000 bond.

Police say Einstein allegedly knew Belknap was wanted in connection with the slayings when she drove him to his home from another residence on May 26.

Mark Haynes, 54, of Leivasy, was charged with helping Belknap as well. He was arrested for obstruction and accessory after the fact and has also been released on bond.

Nicholas County Circuit Clerk’s Office said a trial is set for Belknap on April 16 before Judge Gary Johnson. Belknap is currently being held at Central Regional Jail without bond.

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

 

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