BECKLEY, W.Va. — A Beckley woman who pleaded guilty in May to beating a local pastor to death in his home was sentenced in Raleigh County Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
On February 7, 2015, Pastor Ron Browning, 69, was found dead by his wife in their Odessa Avenue home in Beckley. 22 year-old Camille Browne, who was 19 then, knocked on the door of the home to ask for water. When Browning refused, she forcibly entered the home and attacked him.
Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Keller said Browning’s face was “disfigured beyond recognition” after being struck repeatedly by a glass jar. Keller also said an autopsy revealed Browne attempted to strangle Browning with a cord, crushed his chest and cut his eyes.
After killing Browning and rummaging through the family’s belongings, she fled to another home where she tried to strangle an 87 year-old man. From there, she went to a third home and attempted to burglarize a young family with small children.
Browne, who is believed to have used marijuana before the incident, told authorities during questioning at the hospital that she had “killed an old white man” who “wouldn’t die”. Police did not obtain a blood sample at the hospital to determine if marijuana was in her system. Browne’s Lawyer Jesse Forbes wanted the court to consider that she may have been under the influence of an unknown substance.
“This is really a tale of caution for anybody who goes out on the street, buys street drugs and thinks that they can get away with it”, Forbes said. “At the end of the day, you don’t know what you’re getting when you go out on the streets and buy marijuana. Here we have someone who had a severe reaction to a substance, and did something that was absolutely atrocious.”
Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Keller said during her roughly 40 minute statement that the court should not be lenient in their sentencing just because drugs may have been a factor.
“The claim that the marijuana made her do it is over.”
Forbes then recommended Browne be given a youthful offender sentence. She could attend a correctional rehabilitation program in less than two years before going to prison. He insisted Browne has a long life ahead of her and will forever be haunted by her actions “in her own mental prison”.
Browne appeared sympathetic during her statement to the court and family.
“I’m sorry isn’t even enough, and I can’t expect them to forgive me. But I hope that one day they will be able to. I apologize to the community, because no one should have to live in fear that this could happen to them.”
Many spoke on behalf of Browning including his wife, Rexanna. She talked about his community involvement through church and his work at Raleigh General Hospital.
“My husband was a good man, he’d do anything in the world for you. He shouldn’t have ever died the way he did. She’s evil, and I would not want her back on the streets.”
Judge John Hutchison sentenced Browne to 30 years in prison for second degree murder and 1-15 years for the two burglary counts. She is eligible for parole in 10 years. Hutchison also explained Browne could be released after serving 15 years for good conduct while incarcerated.
Ralph Browning, brother of Ron, was not happy with the decision. He was one of several who left the courtroom visibly upset.
“If she can be a good girl for ten years she’s going to get out? Does that mean my brother’s going to be back in ten years…no. The judicial system really sucks.”
Keller later stated the case has served as a chilling reminder for her and the community.
“I have warned my family if you don’t know who is at the door, do not open it. Because the pretty little 19-year-old girl could turn out to be a cold-blooded killer.”
Browne’s sentences will run concurrently, as per the plea agreement. Browne will also be responsible for paying all court costs.