By Shawn Stinson
A Circleville man facing murder charges related to an Aug. 9, 2020, incident at his residence entered a guilty plea earlier this month.
Richard J. Vint, 46, entered a guilty plea on Feb. 17, 2022, to murder in the first degree. Vint admitted to shooting a weapon from inside his residence at Jeremy Propst. Vint was represented by attorney Ramon Rozas III. The state was represented by April Mallow, Pendleton County prosecuting attorney.
Judge Charles E. Parsons accepted the guilty plea and sentenced Vint “to imprisonment in the state penitentiary for life with mercy.” Parsons added Vint was entitled to 557 days of penal credit. According to West Virginia code, an inmate sentenced for life with mercy may not be paroled until he or she has served 10 years.
In addition, Parsons wrote in the plea, conviction, and sentencing order that Propst’s “significant other, Sherri Bennett, would like to be notified of any parole hearings in this matter.”
Two members of the West Virginia State Police responded to a 911 call from Vint requesting law enforcement respond to his residence in Circleville. During the Aug. 9, 2020, 911 call, Vint informed the operator he had killed Propst.
Trooper First Class David Trenton and Trooper First Class Jacob Hebb arrived at the house. Trenton wrote in the criminal complaint he “observed a person lying face down in the driveway” of Vint’s residence. Trenton added he was able to identify the individual from a tattoo on their right elbow as being Propst.
Vint was transported to the state police detachment office outside of Franklin to be interviewed regarding the incident. During the interview, Vint reviewed DPS Form 79 and his Miranda Rights. Vint initialized the form and stated he understood his Constitutional Rights and elected to make a statement to law enforcement officers.
Trenton wrote in the criminal complaint that Vint admitted to shooting a weapon from inside his residence as Propst was exiting his vehicle. Vint added when Propst was pulling into the driveway, he “was downstairs” and went “upstairs” to retrieve a rifle and fired at Propst from his kitchen and through a closed glass window. Vint continued by stating he saw Propst “fall down after he fired the shot.” Vint said he called 911 to report the incident.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers confirmed Propst and Vint were acquaintances.