MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Two people will spend the rest of their lives in prison for their roles in the Sept. 2014 death of Michael Garcia, 33.
Tulsa Johnson, 36, and Vincent “Scotty” Smith Jr., 20, wer convicted of felony murder and conspiracy Oct. 2015.
Both received the maximum sentence Thursday in Berkeley County Circuit Court.
Police say Johnson and Smith set Garcia up to do a drug deal near Technology Drive near Tabler Station Business Park.
Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Pamela Games-Neely had argued during the trial that Johnson and Smith really intended to rob Garcia, but ended up shooting him to death.
During the sentencing members of Garcia’s family made tearful remarks about how the murder has affected them, and also asked the judge to extend no mercy upon his decision.