The Times West Virginian

Local News

January 13, 2009

Hit-and-run death case will likely go to trial in March

Elkins man accused of first-degree murder

By Misty Poe

FAIRMONT — The case of a man accused of first-degree murder in a hit-and-run death in September will likely go to trial in March, Marion County Prosecutor Patrick Wilson said Tuesday.

Robert James Winning, 19, of Elkins is accused of killing Christopher Williams, who died of severe head trauma from impact Sept. 6 after being hit near the parking lot of U.S. Cellular on Fairmont Avenue between Ninth and 10th streets.

Marion Judge Fred Fox approved several motions Tuesday made by defense attorney Stephen Fitz, including hiring a toxicologist to review samples taken by police on the night of the incident to determine whether Winning was intoxicated at the time.

Fitz said his client was under the influence of alcohol and other prescription drugs that night, and a toxicologist might be able to explain how those drugs might have affected his condition.

Fox also granted a jury view of the scene, which is about 10 blocks from the Marion County Courthouse.

Two law-enforcement officers witnessed the events leading up to Williams’ fatal injuries from the drive-through lane at the McDonald’s next to the scene.

At about 5 a.m. Sept. 6, Deputy A. Lopez of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department was waiting in line at the fast-food restaurant. In front of him in line was Officer D. Stevens of the Fairmont Police Department, Detective Sam Murray testified during Winning’s preliminary hearing in magistrate court in September.

Police said that in the parking lot of U.S. Cellular, a Ford Focus with five passengers parked momentarily, and Winning and Williams had a verbal altercation before Williams exited the car and slammed the door.

The Focus accelerated in the parking lot and hit parking bumpers between the lot and the sidewalk, which caused the car to go airborne before striking the victim, police said. The victim as well as the contents of his pockets and bandages from a previous injury were found up to 75 feet from the point of impact on the Fairmont Avenue sidewalk.

Damage to the car indicated that the point of contact was the front bumper on the passenger side of the Focus, but there was also damage to the hood of the car and the windshield, Murray said this fall.

Deputy Lopez witnessed the accident from his cruiser, turned on his lights and siren and proceeded to follow the Focus. After a brief chase, Winning was apprehended.

The three other passengers in the car at the moment of impact were Winning’s sister, Cheyenne, along with Joshua Strother and James Pudder, and police said all three indicated Robert Winning was the driver at the time of impact.

E-mail Misty Poe at mpoe@timeswv.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • Bruce Roberts--DS.jpg ‘A lot of big hugs’

    Food pantries exist to help people that are struggling, people that need a hand at a time when no one else seems to care.
    But what happens when the pantry is struggling?

    February 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • Rivesville power palnt-DS.jpg Strict EPA rules lead to closures

    Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules, FirstEnergy Corp. has to close the Rivesville Power Station and two other coal-fired power plants in the state, said FirstEnergy spokesman Mark Durbin.

    February 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘Coffee with Congress’ brings D.C. to county

    The local Chamber of Commerce’s “Coffee with Congress” series brings Washington, D.C., to Marion County.
    Congressman Nick Rahall will be the guest speaker for the upcoming event in the series, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18, at noon at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont’s I-79 Technology Park.

    February 10, 2012

  • Five dogs die after being shot

    It’s easy to take animals for granted. Sometimes, sadly, familiarity can lead to abuse.
    Five dogs, a mother and four puppies, are dead after being shot and left to die in Rachel. Marion County officials are investigating.

    February 10, 2012

  • WVU Children’s Hospital Gala set Saturday

    Snow arrived just in time this week as the West Virginia University Children’s Hospital Gala gets under way with the theme “It’s a Winter Wonderland.”
    Organizers chose that theme to herald the return of the event to its original Valentine’s Day weekend time slot after it was held during the spring for the past two years.

    February 10, 2012

  • Fairmont man indicted on child pornography charge

    A Fairmont man has been indicted by the Office of the United States Attorney Northern District of West Virginia on a child pornography charge.
    Clyde Bates, 67, was named in a one-count indictment charging him with possession of child pornography in Fairmont on Aug. 27, 2010.

    February 10, 2012

  • Therepy Dog -ts.jpg A brighter day

    Sitting on a pink polka blanket with pink bows tied around her ears, Pebbles the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brightens up the day of a patient at the Arbors at Fairmont nursing home.
    “I always had a dog,” said Max — who preferred that his last name not be used — to Pebbles’ human, Sharon Spevock.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘New heights’ NASA’s mission

    The NASA Independent Verification & Validation Facility in Fairmont has accomplished a lot over the years, but also has a long way to go, said Gregory Blaney.
    Partnerships will allow the agency to continue to move forward.

    February 9, 2012

  • Man indicted on 14 counts of sexual abuse

    A Mannington man has been indicted by the Marion County grand jury on 14 counts of sexual abuse.
    James Edward Carpenter, 34, of 100 Parkview Drive, Apt. 101, Mannington, is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 10 counts of sexual abuse by parent, guardian or custodian.

    February 9, 2012

  • BB&T to remain a part of Farmington community

    Thanks to community members who made their voices heard, the BB&T branch in Farmington is staying open for business.
    The office was full of excitement and hugs Wednesday as employees and community members celebrated the news that this location will continue to service clients.

    February 9, 2012