Wine Making

Saunders convicted of 2018 murder of Wallens Ridge cellmate | News

WISE — A former Wallens Ridge inmate convicted in December of killing his cellmate will have another 20 years added to his life sentence on previous convictions.

William A. Saunders, 52, an inmate at Red Onion State Prison, was sentenced Friday in Wise County Circuit Court about two months after his jury trial for second-degree murder and strangulation. He admitted to killing Donald W. Gary in May 2018, citing self-defense.

Judge John Kilgore, who dismissed an additional capital murder charge against Saunders during the trial, sentenced Saunders to 20 years for the murder and five years for strangulation, both to be executed alongside his life sentence for another murder.

Testimony at trial indicated that Gray was above the legal limit for drunkenness, although a Wallens Ridge corrections officer testified that there was no sign of liquor or the making of bootleg wine. in the cell. Saunders testified that Gary attacked him in the cell before trying to restrain him and had a guard bring a senior officer into the cell.

“We are satisfied with the sentence the court has handed down in this case and believe it is an appropriate decision in this very serious matter,” the acting Wise County and Norton Commonwealth prosecutor said Friday, Steven Davis. “This sentencing hearing and the conclusion of this case will also bring peace to the victim’s family.”

Davis said he is committed to keeping inmates safe at Wallens Ridge, Red Onion and Correctional Camp 18 in the county.