High School Football

Final defendant sentenced in Fairmont drug-related killing

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 20-year-old man has been ordered to supervised probation after completing a youthful offender program in connection with the March 2023 shooting of Clayton Peck in Fairmont.

Jayden Cheriza

Jayden Cheriza was charged with first degree robbery and completed the program at the Anthony Correctional Center. Under terms of the deal with prosecutors, faces a 35-year suspended sentence if he violates the conditions of his probation.

Cheriza was one of three charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the case. The first degree murder charge was in exchange for a guilty plea to first degree robbery.

Detectives determined the March 2023 shooting happened at the Fairmont Hills Apartments on Cleveland Avenue during a drug transaction.

Zeighshawn Meade entered a guilty plea to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison for shooting Peck in the head. Illes Williams, who was 17 at the time of the shooting was also sentenced to life in prison for his role in the killing. Williams will be eligible for parole after 13.5 years, according to state sentencing guidelines for juveniles.





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