WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Michael Terry Cline, 38, of Hanover, WV, was found guilty on January 25, 2023, of Malicious Assault, Wanton Endangerment Involving a Firearm and First Degree Robbery.
On March 8, 2023, Cline was sentenced to 2 to 10 years, 1 – 15 years, and 80 years, respectively, to be served consecutively for a total of 83 to 95 years in prison.
At trial, the Office of the Wyoming County Prosecutor proved that on May 7, 2022, Cline maliciously beat a Wyoming County man by striking him repeatedly. Cline used an ax handle during the attack. Cline also stole several items from the man during the assault. As the man made his escape in an automobile, Cline fired several rounds from a firearm, striking the vehicle.
Gregory Bishop is the Wyoming County Prosecutor. “The sentence that the Court handed down was appropriate in this case,” said Bishop, “Mr. Cline’s crimes were appalling. My hope is that this conviction and sentence sends a message to would be violent criminals that we will prosecute and seek the maximum punishment when you commit acts of violence in Wyoming County”.
Assistant Prosecutor Derek Laxton and Josh Miller prosecuted the case.
Captain Tommy Blankenship and others from the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department investigated the crime.
Bishop wished to think the hard and thorough work of Assistant Prosecutor Derek Laxton and Josh Miller along with Captain Tommy Blankenship and the rest of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department. “I’m proud to serve alongside these professionals,” said Bishop, “we work hard as a team every day to provide a premier criminal justice system to the good citizens of Wyoming County”.