Crime & Safety
Berkeley County, WV Murder Attempt Conviction: Man Faces 48 Years
Martinsburg, WV – A 68 year old Martinsburg man could spend up to 48 years in prison after a Berkeley County jury convicted him of attempted second degree murder and five additional felonies stemming
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-22T15:01:39.825Z
Martinsburg, WV – A 68 year old Martinsburg man could spend up to 48 years in prison after a Berkeley County jury convicted him of attempted second degree murder and five additional felonies stemming from a violent incident earlier this year.
According to Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Raymond E. Boyce Jr., Russell Lorenzo Brown, 68, of Martinsburg, was convicted Friday, October 16, following a three day jury trial in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Jury Returns Six Felony Convictions
Brown was found guilty of one count of attempted second degree murder, four counts of malicious assault and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on or about February 15, 2026, at the Cozy Hideaway Bar on Eagle School Road in Martinsburg.
Prosecutors did not provide additional details about the victims or the circumstances surrounding the incident in the public announcement.
Man Faces Up to 48 Years in Prison
Following the jury's verdict, Brown faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 10.25 to 48 years.
Prosecuting Attorney Boyce described the conviction as an important outcome for public safety in Berkeley County.
“Mr. Brown has a violent past and now stands convicted of committing a host of additional violent crimes in Berkeley County,” Boyce said.
He added that the verdict could prevent Brown from harming others for many years.
Sheriff's Deputies Credited for Investigation
The Berkeley County Sheriff 's Department investigated the case, while Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Shannon Frederick Kiser represented the prosecution during trial.
Judge Laura V. Faircloth presided over the proceedings.
Boyce specifically recognized deputies J. Giangola and A. Weidman, along with sergeants T. Dopson and D. Ritchie, for their investigative work.
A sentencing date was not provided in the announcement.
Brown's final sentence will be determined by the court.