MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Jurors will hear closing arguments Wednesday in the trial of an Inwood man accused of conspiring with his father to burn down the house of Jefferson County Attorney and State Delegate Stephen Skinner (D-Jefferson) in 2014.
Matthew Brian Palmer, 22, faces one count of first degree arson, one count of solicitation of murder and one count of conspiracy.
Police allege he and his father, Darryl Palmer, 48, also of Inwood, conspired to burn Skinner’s residence after he filed two lawsuits against their used car dealership, Matt’s Auto-World.
The Journal reports a bonus was offered if Skinner was inside when the fire began.
Skinner represents the 67th District in the West Virginia House of Delegates and is a candidate for the State Senate in the 16th District.