TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA (LOOTPRESS) – J. Christopher Plaster, Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney, announced today that Marticia Michelle Mathias, age 56, of Tannersville, VA, was convicted by a jury in the murder of Douglas Campbell French of Tannersville and the malicious wounding of Ronald Allison of Thompson Valley.
At trial, Mr. Plaster presented evidence that on May 6, 2020, Mathias set in motion a plan that ultimately resulted in the brutal murder of Douglas French, who was 63 years old at the time, and a separate attack on Ronald Allison. Evidence was presented over three days in the Tazewell County Circuit Court outlining the disturbing details of Mathias’ role in the beating death of Mr. French and the attack on Mr. Allison. The jury found that Mathias was responsible for inciting, planning and providing the murder weapon to her co-conspirator in this murder occurring in 2020 and acting as the getaway driver in the attack on Mr. Allison.
“Ms. Mathias’ manipulations created this tragedy and completely unnecessary taking of a life. I am very grateful that the jury was able to see through her lies and render a verdict that best served the ends of justice,” said Chris Plaster, Commonwealth’s Attorney.
“I want to thank Sheriff Brian Hieatt, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, and specifically Detective Briana Baldridge who was lead investigator in this case, for their tireless work and dedication in this matter,” said Chris Plaster.
Mathias is scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2023, in the Tazewell County Circuit Court by Judge Richard Patterson. She faces up to life in prison. She is being represented by the Neo Law Firm of Tazewell.
The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Plaster, with the assistance of Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jessica Gunter and Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Brandon Goins, prosecuted this case.