RACHEL DOVE-BALDWIN
Staff Writer
WILLIAMSON - Two criminal cases were heard in Mingo County Circuit Court yesterday, with the Honorable Judge Michael Thornsbury presiding.
In the case of the State of West Virginia versus Craig Edward Hite, the defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and malicious assault. Hite waived the right to a presentence investigation and was sentenced to confinement in a state correctional facility for the maximum statutory term of 40 years in connection with the 2nd degree murder conviction, and an indefinite term of no less than 2 years or more than 10 years in connection with the malicious assault conviction.
Judge Thornsbury directed that the respective sentences run consecutively, thereby exposing Hite to a potential prison sentence of 50 years. The defendant was represented by Attorney Marsha Webb-Rumora. Prosecutor Sparks represented the state and West Virginia State Police (WVSP) Trooper 1st Class L.T. Goldie was the primary investigating officer.
“I commend Trooper Goldie for an outstanding investigation that enabled us to achieve justice for the family of Charla Hite, including the surviving victim in this case, Laura Muncy,” stated the prosecutor.
“Hite agreeing to the 2nd degree murder and malicious assault plea offered by the state thankfully spared Muncy the difficult ordeal of testifying at the trial about the details of the violent attack, assault and murder of her mother.”
The Hite conviction was the prosecuting attorney’s 18th successful murder conviction.
In the case of the state versus Daniel Hall, the defendant pleaded guilty to operating a Clandestine drug laboratory, and faces a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years. Sentencing for Hall will be imposed on September 10 at 9 a.m. in circuit court.
Hall was represented by Attorney Diana Carter Wiedel, with Mingo County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Justin Marcum appearing for the state. Mingo County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) Corporal N. Mines was the primary investigating officer involving this case.
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