KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — A 15-year-old Charleston teen has been sentenced to prison for his role in the 2024 shooting death of a tobacco store clerk.
Barack Williams, found guilty by a Kanawha County jury in September of murder during the commission of a robbery, received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
Prosecutors said Williams, who was 14 at the time, acted as a lookout while Bre’Juan Williams-Hampton robbed the store before fatally shooting 19-year-old clerk Caden Martin.
“So, so, so sorry for what happened to a poor, innocent, young, kind, caring, loving man,” Williams said.
Because the killing occurred during a robbery, prosecutors did not have to prove premeditation, only that Williams participated in the crime. Williams-Hampton has also been sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for parole after 15 years.
Caden Martin’s grandmother, Jill Martin, spoke during a victim impact statement:
“I will never get to see my grandson smile or hug him. This teenager does not deserve any type of mercy. Caden was shown no mercy that night.”
Williams’ attorneys argued that evidence of prior bad acts should not have been admitted, but the judge denied a motion for a new trial, noting that juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole under current law.
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