Convicted Kanawha County sniper Shawn Lester was sentenced to the maximum time in prison during an emotional hearing Friday in Charleston.
Kanawha County Circuit Judge Duke Bloom handed down his ruling nine years and 17-days after the shooting death of Jeanie Patton at the Campbell’s Creek Speedway.
"This death was senseless,” Judge Bloom said. “It’s a tragic waste. I believe nothing short of the maximum penalty of 40-years is appropriate to impose in this case."
Bloom says there will be no credit for the time Lester has already served.
Lester pleaded guilty in July to second degree murder in the death of Patton. The plea did not include the 2003 shooting deaths of Okey Meadows, Jr. and Gary Carrier ,Jr. because there wasn’t enough hard evidence to prosecute those cases.
As part of the deal, the prosecution agreed to only ask for a 30-year maximum sentence. But Bloom had the final say.
Lester did speak during his sentencing. But he showed no remorse and never apologized for Patton’s death.
"Unfortunately, no amount of wishing or regret can change the past. I hope that after today everyone can get a little bit of closure on this case and move on with their lives,” he said.
That didn’t sit well with Patton’s sister Karen Mance who gave a victim impact statement on behalf of all three families.
"Shawn is a monster who has no remorse!"
Gary Carrier’s brother Greg could only choke out a few words.
"Only thing I ask is…give him the max."
Carrier wasn’t the only one showing emotion in the courtroom. Assistant Prosecutor Don Morris, who was assigned to the case full-time a year and a half ago, got choked up talking about the time and effort law enforcement put into the case.
"Through the tireless efforts of investigators, specifically Lt. Cooper of the Charleston Police Department, who I believe…told me that he had taken three days off in the last year and a half. And with the help of…members of the ATF, FBI, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Marshal Service…we were finally able to bring a charge against this defendant,” Morris.
After the sentencing Lester was taken to Mt. Olive State Police to begin his sentence. There’s a chance Lester could be released after 20 years on good behavior but Kanawha County Prosecutor Mark Plants believes that’s highly unlikely. He says Lester will most like spend about 30 years behind bars for this crime.
Lester is also facing federal firearms and drug charges. Any time he might serve for those crimes could be consecutive, adding more time to his stay in prison.