ELKINS, WV — Dallas Ray Bryant, 71, of Harman, has been sentenced to the maximum 15 years in prison for the 2023 shooting death of Preston L. “Patch” Higgins, 66, in Randolph County Circuit Court.
Judge David Wilmoth handed down the sentence and ordered Bryant to reimburse the state for funeral expenses paid to Higgins’ family. Additionally, Bryant is prohibited from having any contact with the victim’s family.
Bryant was originally indicted in June 2024 on charges including murder, firearm use during a felony, and providing false information. However, under a plea agreement finalized in January, the charges were reduced to voluntary manslaughter.
Defense Requests Leniency, Citing Health Issues
Bryant’s attorneys, Stephen Mallow and Steven Nanners, argued for a minimum three-year sentence or home confinement, citing Bryant’s poor health, lack of premeditation, limited criminal history, and remorse.
Addressing the court, Bryant expressed sorrow for Higgins’ death, stating, “I don’t know what I could do to make it up to his family, except tell them God bless them and God bless him.” He also reiterated his claim that the shooting occurred during a struggle after Higgins allegedly pulled a gun on him and prevented him from leaving.
Victim’s Family Demands Maximum Sentence
During an emotional victim impact statement, Higgins’ daughter, Macy Wiseman, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, highlighting the suffering her father endured.
“He shot my father in the back and left him there for days in the freezing cold. I buried a man I didn’t even recognize,” Wiseman said tearfully. “Maybe God will forgive him, but I never will.”
Prosecution Argues Bryant Showed No Remorse
Assistant Prosecutor Richard Shryock opposed leniency, arguing Bryant never took full responsibility for his actions.
“This case is about the death of Preston Higgins, not Bryant’s health complaints,” Shryock said. He pointed out that after the shooting, Bryant left Higgins’ body outside for days and discarded the murder weapon 30 miles away, actions inconsistent with self-defense.
Judge Wilmoth echoed this sentiment, stating, “Throwing the gun over a hill doesn’t sound like self-defense—it sounds like someone trying to avoid getting caught.”
Bryant’s Changing Accounts of the Shooting
During previous hearings, Bryant gave multiple conflicting accounts of the incident. Initially, he claimed Higgins attacked him with a flashlight and fired shots as Bryant tried to escape. Later, Bryant told police, “If I shot him, it was because he was trying to kill me.”
Following his conviction, Bryant will now serve his 15-year sentence in state prison.
