FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. — A Fayette County man has been found guilty of murder.
Kayce R. Simms, 21, of Mount Hope, was convicted Tuesday of first-degree murder and use or presentment of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Ciliberti, Jr. The trial lasted six days before Circuit Judge Thomas H. Ewing.
On November 21, 2022, police responded to a call of a shooting at 98 Teng Lane in the Glen Jean area of Fayette County. Officers said the victim, Ashtin Owens, 37, sustained two gunshot wounds. Owens was transported by helicopter to a trauma center in Charleston where he later died.
Investigators said Owens had gotten into an argument earlier in the day with Simms’ grandmother. Simms then obtained a firearm and went to Owens’ residence to confront him. Following a brief
argument, Simms shot Owens twice and then fled the scene.
Three other people were present at the home. Two of the witnesses told investigators that Simms was the shooter.
Simms faces up to life in prison for the murder conviction and up to 10 years for the firearm conviction. The jury did grant Simms mercy meaning he will be eligible for parole after 15 years in prison.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Detective Bureau investigated the case.