WAYNE, W.Va. — A Wayne County man pleaded no contest to murder in connection with the shooting death of a Radnor man, avoiding the start of a trial Tuesday.
Willie Copley, 27, of Dunlow, entered a plea bargain with prosecutors just before his trial was scheduled to begin. He also pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery in addition to the no contest murder plea.
Prosecutors said Copley shot and killed James Spurlock, 46, of Radnor, last May 31 during an attempt to get prescription drugs.
Copley claimed there was a struggle between the two and they exchanged gunfire and Spurlock was killed. Prosecutors said Copley was dragged into another room where Copley shot and killed him. The key witness for the prosecution was Spurlock’s 7-year-old son.
Prosecutors said the victim’s family is satisfied with the plea. They were concerned about putting the boy through the trial.
Copley faces up to 60 years in prison when he’s sentenced June 21. He could get out of jail after 20 years.
A co-defendant in the case, Dylan Jarrells, 19, previously pleaded guilty to robbery.