SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — The man who admitted to his role in the death of a Nicholas County deputy two years ago is headed to prison.
Brent Tyler Kelly, 30, of Birch River was sentenced in Nicholas County Circuit Court Thursday by Webster County Judge Jack Alsop. Alsop was appointed to the case after Nicholas County officials recused themselves.
Kelly pleaded no contest to a charge of voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy in July in connection with the June 2022 slaying of Nicholas County Deputy Tom Baker.
Judge Alsop sentenced Kelly to 15 years in prison on the voluntary manslaughter count and 1 to 5 years for conspiracy. The sentences will run consecutively. Kelly was also given credit for the 862 days (about 2 and a half years) he’s already served in jail.
Kelly lived in a motor home at Birch River. A second individual, Richie Holcomb, was a frequent guest. Authorities visited the property June 3, 2022 and initially were talking with Kelly and Holcomb. The two suddenly became uncooperative and barricaded themselves inside the RV. A standoff eventually escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
Baker was killed in the shootout and Holcomb was found dead inside the motorhome about 45 minutes after the shooting stopped. He was dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and armed with an AR-15 style rifle. An autopsy determined it was rounds from Holcomb’s rifle that killed him and Baker.
Kelly looked toward Baker’s family and quietly offered an apology ahead of the sentencing.
Keith Thompson of WJLS Radio contributed to this story