CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Three West Virginian inmates are waiting for a probable cause hearing in connection with a 1989 murder at the Harrison County Jail. Charles Franklin, 64, Warren Franklin, 63, Frederick Hamilton, 62, are suspects in the murder John Perry who was at the jail waiting to testify against William “Red” Snyder who was accused of killing inmate Kent Slie during a riot at the state prison in Moundsville during a riot in January of 1986.
Sgt. Dixon Pruitt has been working the case for most of the last year.
“Next week we’ll have our probable cause hearing,” Sgt. Pruitt said,”If the Magistrate says there was probable cause for the arrest then it will be presented to the grand jury is most likely what will happen.”
Court documents say Charles and his brother warren Franklin began beating Perry in the face and stepped on his neck.
Sgt. Pruitt says there are still other suspects that are being considered.
“It’s still ongoing. I’m looking at other people that I believe were involved,” Pruitt said,”Hopefully, at some point in time I can charge them also.”
Warren Franklin is serving life without parole, Charles Franklin is projected for release in 2023 and Hamilton is in jail but has a parole hearing scheduled next year.