Woman faces 117 years in shooting of Southwest Virginia deputy
Published: June 9, 2009
TAZEWELL — A Tazewell County woman convicted for her role in the shooting of a deputy could face more than 100 years in prison.
Tazewell County Commonwealth Attorney Dennis Lee says a jury recommended a 117-year sentence Monday for 33-year-old Tracy Marie Coxton of Bandy.
Lee says the jury convicted Coxton late Friday of attempted capital murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and other charges.
Coxton is one of three people charged in the October 2008 shooting of Tazewell County Deputy Eric Mullins during a traffic stop in Bluefield as police searched for robbery suspects. The shooting prompted a two-state manhunt.
Mullins was wearing a bulletproof vest and recovered from his injuries.
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Clyn53, yes, the police officer’s life should be considered worth more than ours from a practical and philosophical stand point. As you and I get to get up every morning and go to our office to read our paper and drink our coffee, these fine men and women place their lives on the line to help law abiding citizens such as YOU and I.
Philosophically, you want people punished harsher for crimes committed against officers while they are on duty to deter individuals from harming those sworn to protect us.
Do you get it yet?
cln, yes I certainly do. Obviously our law makers feel the same. Look at the law. Virginia code 18.2-31
cln53 - Give it a rest! You still don’t understand. There’s a huge difference in a Capital Murder Charge than what happened in Powhatan ... where, there were mutual combatants spoiling for a fight. That’s why the charges were manslaughter not Capital Murder.
up it
Do you truly think a police officers life is, as you put it, worth more than the general public?
Yes, because it was a police officer and attempted capital murder she should get 100 years. The police are here doing a job and are not carrying BB guns and talking trash in Powhatan! Capital murder or attempted capital murder means that the police are worth more than the general public, thus a stiffer penalty…..get over it!
RUkiddingme
I read the entire article and I do understand about the other charges, attempted robbery etc. I have served as a jurist many time, although not in the Commonwealth so I understand the charge of the law given by the judge to a jury. I still feel that VA. differs count to county!
cLyn53- good lord, please stop the antagonistic postings. If you had read the article which stated “and other charges,“ perhaps you would realize that the Commonwealth Attorney in Tazwell MIGHT have stacked on some pretty hefty charges which carried additional time. This defendant was not simply charged with shooting an officer.
Please stop comparing this case with what happened in Powhattan. Different set of facts and circumstances.
Why so much time? Because it is a police officer? He was not killed but she could get up to 117 years, meanwhile, a child DIED in Powhatan and they gey 11 & 17 years respectively?????
Virginia’s laws/guidelines seem to vary count to county.
Post a Comment(Requires free registration)
- Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language.
- Respect others.
- Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary.
- See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Advertisement