West Virginia Teen Who Bragged About Killing Store Clerk Gets Maximum Sentence
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA – A 15-year-old boy convicted in the brutal murder of a tobacco store clerk showed shocking disrespect in court — telling guards he planned to “fill the victim’s grave full of piss” — prompting a judge to impose the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Teen Sentenced to Life With Mercy
On Wednesday, Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers sentenced Barack Williams to life in prison with mercy for his role in the killing of Caden D. Martin, 19, during a January 2024 armed robbery at the Tobacco & Pipe store in North Charleston.
Because of his age, Williams was not eligible for life without parole, meaning he must serve at least 15 years before being considered for release.
“You Make My Job Easy,” Judge Says
Prosecutors described Williams’ behavior before and after the murder as cold and remorseless.
Assistant Prosecutor Madison Tuck told the court that Williams acted as a lookout while his friend, Bre’juan Williams-Hampton, also 14 at the time, shot Martin during the robbery.
Afterward, Williams reportedly stole SpongeBob Popsicles from the store and later bragged, “I went home and ate that ice cream.”
In court, Judge Akers said the teen’s words and actions showed “a monstrous mindset.”
“You make my job easy,” Akers told him. “I do not have any choice but to impose the maximum the law allows. I truly wish I could give you more.”
Disturbing Jailhouse Comments
Prosecutors revealed that while awaiting trial, Williams repeatedly taunted guards and court staff, calling the victim racial slurs and bragging about the killing.
He told officers, “Do you like Grand Theft Auto 5? I play that in real life,” and later said, “When I get out, I’m going to fill [the victim’s] grave full of piss and spit on it.”
Family members of Martin, who was described as kind and hardworking, gave emotional impact statements before sentencing.
Williams briefly told the family he was “so, so sorry,” but prosecutors said his apology was hollow.
Co-Defendant Also Serving Life
Shooter Williams-Hampton pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in 2024 and received a life sentence with parole eligibility after 15 years — identical to his co-defendant’s punishment.
Judge Akers told the courtroom that unless Williams takes advantage of rehabilitation opportunities, “you will have a long life of incarceration, I am sure of it.”
The sentencing closes a case that has gripped the Charleston community and sparked renewed discussion about juvenile crime and accountability. For more updates on court cases and community safety, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.