Death penalty recommended for man convicted in contract killing of sailor

NORFOLK — A federal jury is recommending the death penalty for a West Virginia man convicted of killing a sailor in a murder-for-hire plot.

U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente says 38-year-old David Anthony Runyon of Morgantown, W.Va., will be formally sentenced on Dec. 4 in federal court in Norfolk. The jury issued its recommendation Thursday.

Boente says Runyon was the triggerman in the fatal shooting of Cory Voss in Newport News in 2007.

Runyon and co-defendant Michael Draven of Newport News were convicted in July of murder, conspiracy to commit murder for hire and carjacking.

Draven faces life in prison. His sentencing is set for Nov. 17.

Voss’ wife, Catherina, has pleaded guilty to arranging the slaying and is serving life in prison.