WAYNE, W.Va. (WYMT/WSAZ) - A Wayne County man who pleaded guilty to murder in 1989 is getting a new trial.
Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Plymale says the new trial for 62-year-old Stephen W. Hatfield is set for August 2013.
Plymale says a grand jury recently re-indicted Hatfield for the murder of Tracey Andrews, his former girlfriend at her home on Mother's Day 1988. Also shot and wounded were Dewey Myers, who was Andrews current boyfriend, and her neighbor Roger Cox. Following the shooting, Hatfield fled the scene and was arrested after being shot by police in exchange of gunfire, according to legal documents.
In December 1989, Hatfield pleaded guilty to murder and two counts of malicious wounding during a hearing in Wayne County Circuit Court. He was then sentenced to life without mercy for the murder count, and two 2-10 year sentences for the malicious wounding. The sentences were to be served concurrently.
After a number of appeals, in July 2012 a U.S. District Court Judge set aside Mr. Hatfield's conviction over issues about his competency to enter a guilty plea or stand trial.
Earlier this month, the Wayne County Grand Jury re-indicted him on the charges.
