CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals upheld the murder conviction of the former president of a local Pagan Motorcycle Club chapter.
In the appeal, James Vincent argued his gang affiliation should have been excluded from the lower trial because it unfairly resulted in judgement of his character.
The Supreme Court issued a memorandum decision Tuesday writing, “We find that the circuit court did not abuse its discretion in categorizing the evidence of Mr. Vincent’s club affiliation as intrinsic.”
MORE Read Supreme Court memorandum decision here
Vincent was sentenced to life in prison for the 2018 murder of Luka Grabb.
Vincent shot Grabb four times after learning he had plans to rob him. Four others with Vincent kicked Grabb and left him along the side of the road where he bled to death.
Co-defendants David Uphold was acquitted of murder, but was convicted of conspiracy and malicious wounding, Charles Carpenter pleaded guilty to malicious assault and conspiracy, Russell Kirk pleaded guilty to malicious assault and conspiracy and Vernon Carpenter pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.