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Berkeley County jury recommends life without mercy for Martinsburg man guilty of murder

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A Berkeley County jury finds a Martinsburg man guilty of murder charges and recommend a sentence of life without mercy.

On Wednesday, May 10, Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Catie Wilkes Delligatti said the jury found Richard Austin Clemmons, 37, guilty of first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.

Clemmons shot and killed John Henderson on June 28, 2019, and attempted to shoot Dawn Austin. An investigation was done by the Martinsburg Police Department.

At the conclusion of a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on both counts to Judge R. Steven Redding. Following the verdict, the jury deliberated and then told Judge Redding they recommend that Clemmons serve a life sentence without the chance of being eligible for parole.

A formal sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place July 17, 2023.





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