RIPLEY, W.Va. –– A Jackson County man will spend a long time in prison for the death of a baby.
Jackson County Circuit Judge Lora Dyer on Friday issued the maximum sentence to John Tames, 24 of Ripley. Tames pleaded guilty back in December to second degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.
A three month old baby named Everly, was found in his care in cardiac arrest in Januar of 2024. Police investigating say the child had been abused. She died a few days laterin the hospital and Tames was arrested.
Judge Dyer sentenced him to 40-years for the murder plea, 15 to lie on the child abuse resulting in death charge, and ordered the sentences to run consecutively. Also, in a rare move, Judge Dyer issued a non-binding recommendation along with the sentence that Tames never be granted parole.