Man sentenced for Memorial Day shooting at Grafton Walmart
GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — A Pennsylvania man will serve up to 20 years in prison for charges related to a shooting at the Grafton Walmart in 2023 and a pursuit that followed.
William Jenkins, 24 of Friendsville, PA, was arrested after he fired multiple shots inside the Grafton Walmart on Memorial Day, hitting one victim. Officials said that Jenkins and the victim were among a group of people who had traveled from Pennsylvania to buy tree spikes.
After the shots, Jenkins fled the scene in a vehicle that later became disabled on East Grafton Road. He was in the hospital for weeks from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials told 12 News at that time.
Jenkins pleaded guilty on the following charges back in May 2024:
Attempted second degree murder
Wanton endangerment involving a firearm
Use or presentation of a firearm during commission of a felony
Fleeing in vehicle from law enforcement showing reckless indifference for the safety of others
During a hearing on Feb. 21, 2025, Jenkins was sentenced to 14-20 years for the four felony charges. That time will be served consecutively.
According to court documents, the court found that Jenkins was not suitable for alternative sentencing 'due to the atrocious, violent nature of the offenses, the danger to all those involved and the danger to the general public in Taylor County.'
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'The Court believes that the Defendant is remorseful, however, the Court has great concern for what would happen if the Defendant were to get a break on his sentence,' documentation from the Taylor County Circuit Court says.
The court also order that the possibility of restitution for the victim and Walmart be reviewed; if an agreement is not reached between the state the defense, there will be a additional hearing.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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