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A Weirton man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the Feb. 20, 2021, death of 69-year-old Daniel K. Gilchrist at his Charles Street home.
Jeffery White, 29, of Weirton, is slated to appear March 28 for sentencing by 1st Judicial Circuit Court Judge Ronald Wilson, who accepted the plea on Tuesday. The charge carries a sentence of 10-40 years in prison.
Brooke County Prosecutor Joseph Barki said at that time he will recommend that White receives the maximum sentence for the crime.
He said White's motive isn't clear while confirming there's no evidence that White knew Gilchrist.
Barki said the charge against White is supported by physical evidence, including a bloody handprint left in Gilchrist's home by White and Gilchrist's blood found on White's person.
He acknowledged White has maintained he doesn't remember committing the crime, having been under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Barki said an investigation by Wellsburg Police found White had been drinking at a party at a nearby residence when he attempted to force open Gilchrist's door, then entered Gilchrist's home by removing an air conditioner from a window.
Police said Gilchrist fired a shot at White in self-defense, and White struck him in the head and torso multiple times, killing him.
"The cause of death was blunt force trauma," said Barki.
The prosecutor said the victim's son and the investigating police officer support the plea agreement, which was reached with White's attorneys, Robert McCoid and Jack Wood.
White continues to be held in the West Virginia Northern Regional Jail, with no bond.