With a full schedule of hearings and trials, Judge Anita Harold Ashley continued multiple cases prior to the Jury trial of James Forrest Blankenship that began at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21st with opening statements. At the close of day the State of West Virginia, Prosecutor Michael Hicks had rested and the case will reconvene with defense Attorney John Balenovich’s defense of Mr. Blankenship at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
In the case of State of West Virginia vs. Mark Christopher Donavan – 24-F-9, the matter was set for trial on October 21st, 2025 but has been continued due to an incarcerated defendant’s trial taking precedence. A trial date of November 18th, 2025 at 9 a.m. was set with any plea agreement to be brought ten days ahead of the trial.
In the case of State of West Virginia vs. Brittany Dawn Shelley and Paul Hunter, 25-F-13 and 25-F-14, a plea agreement is currently under review. The matter is continued until November 18th, 2025 at 9 a.m. for trial with a possible plea or case status on November 5th at 10:45 a.m.
In the case of 25-F-17, State of West Virginia vs. Jessica’s Lynn Carpenter, the case was on the docket for trial, however, in a previous hearing the defendant had been set for a competency evaluation for which she missed the appointment. The appointment has been rescheduled for December 10th, 2025 and the case is continued in general until the results of that evaluation are determined.
In the case of State of West Virginia vs. Zachary Freshour, 25-F-19, his case too was continued for November 18th, 2025 at 9 a.m. due to an incarcerated person’s case taking precedence.
State of West Virginia vs. Abby Sutphin, another case set for Jury Trial, the case was continued with any plea agreements to be scheduled ten days in advance. Motion day of November 5th.
In the matter of the State of West Virginia Vs. Michael Perry Richards, 25-F-6, Prosecutor Michael Hicks informed Judge Ashley that an active plea agreement is being considered. Case continued for Status or entry of plea on November 5th, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. with a Trial date of November 18th at 9 a.m.
Case numbers 25-F-9 and 10, State of West Virginia vs. James Lowell Houchin and Erica Lee Houchin, the matter has been set for Trial on December 2nd at 9 a.m. with a pretrial or status date of November 20th at 1:15 p.m. A motion to dismiss has been filed by the defense which will be heard on November 20th. Special Prosecutor Daniel Minardi.
In a Calhoun Magistrate Court Case, 25-M07M-00100, State of West Virginia vs. William Shayne Schoolcraft, having been charged with Wearing masks, hoods or face coverings – Walkway, road, public thoroughfare, a forensic psychiatric evaluation was ordered. The Defendant was found competent to stand trial and the case was remanded back to Magistrate Court.
