PARKERSBURG, W. Va. (Court TV) — Chester Lilly has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his neighbor, Travis Peters. This was a bifurcated trial, with a mercy phase during which the jury decided not to grant the defendant mercy. In other words, they recommended he serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
>>>WATCH TRIAL ON DEMAND: WV v. CHESTER LILLY (2021)
West Virginia is not a death penalty state. Instead, individuals found guilty of first degree murder receive life sentences. But per state law, the jury did have the opportunity to grant Lilly mercy. People who are granted mercy are eligible for parole after serving the first 15 years a life sentence.
The jury made their decision after hearing three witnesses for the defense and two for the state. Defense witnesses included the defendant’s mother, father and sister. The State called two witnesses. One was Detective Kyle Barnett, the lead detective in the case, who also testified about the prior convictions of the defendant including sexual assault in third degree of a 14-year-old and malicious assault. The second witness was Marcella Waldron, the mother of the victim.
An October 4 sentencing date has been set.
ORIGINAL STORY:
By Ivy Brown, Court TV
PARKERSBURG, W. Va. — A West Virginia man accused of fatally stabbing his neighbor is facing life in prison, if convicted by a jury.
Chester Lilly is accused of murdering 40-year-old Travis Peters in his yard on June 18, 2019. According to a criminal complaint, surveillance video shows Lilly leaving his porch and walking towards Peters’ home. “A short time later,” Lilly is shown returning to his porch, “carrying what appears to be a knife” with blood on his hand. He then allegedly leaves the scene.
FILE – This booking photo provided by the North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility in W. Va. shows Chester Lilly, who is accused of murdering his neighbor in June 2019. (North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility)
Another neighbor discovered Peters’ body 20 minutes later and called police. Parkersburg authorities say a “blood trail” led them to the victim’s body when they responded to the scene.
The next day, Lilly reportedly turned himself in, where officers observed minor cuts on his right forearm. DNA and fingernail scrapings were immediately collected from Lilly. He was arrested and charged with murder that day.
Opening statements began the afternoon of Monday July 26th, immediately after a jury of 10 white men and four white women — ranging in age from 30-60 — was seated.
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 3 – 7/29/21
- The jury reaches a verdict
DAY 3 – 7/28/21
- Both sides rested, presented closing arguments:
- Defendant took the stand in his own defense, arguing self-defense:
- A West Virginia State Police forensic scientist testified that both the victim and defendant’s DNA were on a swab from the storm door handle of 2900 Avery Street
- Lead investigator was cross-examined by the defense, and admitted that he was training a new investigator on the scene, who helped in collection, and that a storm interrupted the investigation, though denied the rain washed away evidence
- WATCH: 7/26/21 Deadly Neighborhood Feud: Day 3
DAY 2 – 7/27/21
- Prosecutors presented their case-in-chief Wednesday – Calling eight witnesses, including neighbors of the victim and defendant and law enforcement officials
- The first state witness, Emily Patrick, was unable to identify the defendant in court.
- The defendant’s fiancé testifies.
- Jurors listen to 911 calls and watched surveillance video from the defendant’s home
- The former state forensic pathologist revealed that Travis Peters died from multiple stab wounds, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
DAY 1 – 7/26/21
- 12 jurors and 2 alternates are seated
- The jury hears opening statements:
Court TV assignment editor Tiffany Smith and digital producer Katie McLaughlin contributed to this report, originally published July 26, 2021.
