PRINCETON, W.Va. — A Mercer County man who pleaded guilty to killing his wife and kidnapping their child must spend at least the next 15 years in prison before he becomes eligible for parole.
Tracy Lee Atwell, 39, of Spanishburg, received a life prison sentence with mercy for murder and one to five years for kidnapping in Mercer County Circuit Court on Wednesday. The sentences will run consecutively.
He pleaded guilty to the charges in May.
Atwell killed his wife, Christina Atwell, 33, and abducted their 8-year-old daughter Porsche in April 2012. The child was later found safe after a search from state police and other agencies.
Atwell apologized for his actions during Wednesday’s sentencing hearing.
Other family members are now caring for his daughter.