- 1
- 2
- next
- | single page
An Altavista man is headed to prison for killing his neighbor.
A jury in Campbell County handed down six guilty verdicts for Alphonso Destin on first-degree murder, five robbery counts and for mis-using a firearm.
The 23 year old was on trial for killing 69-year-old Wilbur West in 2008.
Jurors have recommended a punishment of three life sentences, plus an additional nine years behind bars.
Destin could have faced the death penalty if convicted of capital murder, but jurors didn't find enough evidence for that charge.
The judge will formally sentence Destin May 18th.
-----------------
The jury has found Alphonso Destin guilty of first degree murder. He could have faced the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. Instead, he faces at least 54 years in prison for the 2008 murder of Wilbur West.
In addition to murder, Destin was convicted of robbery, burglary and firearms violations.
--------------
The jury is now deliberating.
------------
The defense has rested and the case against Alphonso Destin is now being handed over to a jury.
Prosecutors wrapped up their arguments Tuesday afternoon, following one day of testimony. Destin's defense team needed only two hours to present its witnesses Wednesday, which included testimony from Destin himself.
Jurors are receiving instructions from the judge. They will begin deliberations this afternoon.
------------
Is Alphonso Destin guilty of murder, or was he simply caught up in a friend's misguided attempt to rob a neighbor?
Attorneys are working to answer those questions this week as Destin goes on trial for the 2008 murder of Wilbur West.
Because investigators believe West was robbed during the course of his murder, Destin is facing a capital murder charge.
Prosecutors presented testimony Tuesday from witnesses who say Destin has personally admitted to them that he killed West.
Brian Doss was an inmate at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail in 2010. During his incarceration, he says he met Destin and the two talked about their respective criminal cases. Doss was in jail on drug related charges and is currently serving an 84-year sentence.
Doss says he and Destin discussed the night of West's death. According to Doss, Destin admitted to pushing West to the ground just before the 69-year-old was shot with a pistol by another man, Renaldo Oliver. Doss says Destin confessed a belief that West was killed by a fall to the ground, not a gunshot wound.
