Judge refuses to set bond for man accused of killing male stripper
by JESSICA HATFIELD Staff Writer
4 months ago | 840 views | 4 4 comments | 13 13 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Michael Thornsbury denied a Logan County resident bond charged with the murder of a male exotic dancer, who had performed at Club 2000 in Justice.

Tommy “Blaine” Vance, 21, was arrested after he allegedly struck Jason Lee, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., around 3:15 a.m., with a white Chevrolet Silverado extended-cab truck.

Mingo County Sheriff’s Department members said Vance confronted Lee over a girl after Scott’s performance and the two became involved in a verbal altercation, which moved to the club’s parking lot. Vance fraudulently identified himself as a West Virginia State Police officer, and proceeded to show Scott identification and recovered a .22 caliber rifle from his truck.

The verbal altercation was broken up by club security and Vance left the parking lot in his truck, but did not leave the scene.

Police said Vance circled the club five to six times before he struck Scott with his truck, dragging his body 20 to 30 feet.

Vance then fled toward the Wyoming County line, only a few miles above the club’s location.

Later Saturday morning, Vance returned to Mingo County and drove by the club as police were investigating.

After a short car pursuit, officers apprehended Vance removing him from the vehicle at gunpoint.

Investigating Officer Larry Thomas explained that evidence of the crime, including blood, tissue and brain matter was found on Vance’s vehicle, as well as the loaded rifle. Thomas also reported that police have a surveillance video that documents the incident scene.

Scott was taken to Logan Appalachian Regional Hospital by Stafford EMS, but died later that morning.

Vance is charged with first-degree murder, fleeing, brandishing a deadly weapon, impersonating a police officer and seven counts of obstructing.

Cpl. Chris Endicott, Deputy Kenny Stewart, Deputy Blake Sipple and Deputy Barry Moore and Gilbert Police Officer J.L. Hatfield assisted on the investigation.

Vance will remain in Southwestern Regional Jail awaiting his preliminary hearing.
comments (4)
« Justice4Jason wrote on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 08:12 PM »
Jason was just as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside...He had a wonderful god-loving soul, beautiful heart, and he was also a very peaceful (not confrontational)person. Everyone that ever really knew him, loved him. He touched thousands of peoples lives in a positive way. Heaven has gained an angel but we have lost a friend. To his family: you are all in my prayers... To Tommy "Blaine" Vance- I hope you know you have to pay for this now on earth and in the here-after;I hope you suffer the way all of us are suffering... Yes he was a "stripper" for now, but there was so much more to him than that.
« MadAsHell2 wrote on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 06:57 PM »
Thank god. He should never see outside a prison.I hope he gets everything he deserves and more.

RIP JASON

we miss you!!!
« reneendanny wrote on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 01:41 PM »
His life needs to be taken for such a vicious act. Spare the Tax Payers money and give him death. God Bless Jason as he was a wonderful person.

To his Family god be with you in this time of sorrow.

Thanks to the Judge who denied bail. Now put him in the death chamber quickly so the family can have closure to this tragic event.
« jasons friend wrote on Tuesday, Nov 17 at 10:45 AM »
Hopefully justice will be served in Justice. jason the man who was killed was more than a stripper he was a great man with a beautiful heart, a veteran,a son and friends to many who loved him so. So Mr. Tommy Vance you not only took Jason from this world, but from a whole lot of other people. I hope you rot in jail.
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