BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – A Raleigh County man was sentenced to at least three years in prison today for the burglary and attempted murder of his stepfather.
Charles Cox, a former finance manager and engineer, appeared in court in connection to an incident that occurred on November 22, 2022. Police responded to a call for a burglary in progress and found the victim, Leslie Wayne Moye, with severe wounds to his body and neck.
They found Cox in the crawlspace of the house and arrested him. Today, he appeared in front of Judge Darl Poling to be sentenced.
Moye gave an impact statement during the hearing, saying the attack left him gravely injured. He said that he was always kind to Cox, and helped him “more than my own kids.”
The defense asked the judge for an alternate sentence to prison, and Cox’s mother spoke on his behalf.
They argued that the attack was extremely out of character. His lawyer said that Cox was under the influence of medication that he used to treat chronic pain, and his mother said he might have been entering the house to seek help.
Cox also spoke on his behalf, asking for forgiveness and taking responsibility. He maintained that he did not remember the details of the evening, due to the drugs he said he took to treat his chronic migraines.
The defense asked the judge to suspend the sentence and give him home confinement with conditions of mental health and substance abuse treatment. His lawyer and mother pointed to his positive behavior in prison.
Ultimately, the judge rejected the defense’s request. Judge Poling said Cox did not give Moye any indication that he was coming over. He said that his good conduct in prison is expected.
Cox was sentenced to prison for one to fifteen years for burglary and three to fifteen years for intent to commit first-degree murder.
Those sentences are to be served at the same time, meaning that Cox will serve a minimum of three years in prison.
Additionally, Judge Poling said that Cox would get credit for time served, meaning his sentence started back in November of 2022.
