MARTINSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – One woman has been convicted of second-degree murder following the May 2021 shooting death of her ex-husband.
Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Catie Wilkes Delligatti has announced that a jury has found Rida S. Hendershot, 31, of Martinsburg, guilty of Murder in the Second Degree and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony.
The Honorable Laura Faircloth presided over the five-day trial, which began on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. The jury returned its verdict on the afternoon of Monday, February 13, 2023, after deliberating for approximately five hours.
For her conviction of Murder in the Second Degree, Ms. Hendershot faces not less than ten (10) nor more than forty (40) years in prison. For her conviction of Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, Ms. Hendershot faces up to ten (10) years in prison. A date for sentencing will be set later.
This case was prosecuted by Catie Wilkes Delligatti and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joseph R. Kinser, and investigated by members of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, with technical assistance from the West Virginia State Police Forensic Lab.
Ms. Delligatti said that she is grateful for lead investigator Deputy A. Weidman and Cpl. T. Funk, both of the Criminal Investigation Division, who were dedicated to ensuring that their investigation led to the truth, and ultimately justice for Matt Hendershot. Ms. Delligatti also thanked Deputy J. Shockey for his skillful handling of the initial scene and law enforcement response.
Finally, Ms. Delligatti thanked the jury for their attentiveness, and for returning a just verdict.