Former Tygarts Valley student pleads guilty to murder of classmate

ELKINS, W.Va. — A former student at Tygarts Valley High School has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2012 stabbing death of his classmate, Dustin White, 17, outside of the Tygarts Valley High School football stadium.

Thomas Vas, 19, of Dailey, entered a guilty plea to second degree murder and was sentenced Tuesday on what would have been the first day of testimony for his murder trial, according to Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker.

“The decision to allow Thomas Vas to enter this plea was made only after consultation with Dustin White’s family. My hope is that the family will find some closure in this resolution, but I know that nothing can bring Dustin back to them and nothing can ever lessen the devastation of losing a child at such a young age,” Parker said in a statement.

“Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, the State believes that justice has been served.”

Vas had been offered a plea deal for second degree murder in February that came with no guaranteed sentence. The plea agreement he accepted Tuesday included a specified 30 years. With it, he will be eligible for parole in ten years.

Vas, who was 17 years old at the time of the stabbing, was facing the charges as an adult.

Back on Oct. 26, 2012, Vas and White agreed to meet to fight prior to the Tygarts Valley football game against Hundred. Court records showed after White threw the first punch, Vas pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed him several times. White later died from his injuries.

A jury for Vas’ trial had been selected Monday in Randolph County Circuit Court.





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