| The Roane County murder trial of Adam Scott Lytle, accused of killing Jeremy Smith, 23, with a 12-gauge shotgun, ended Friday with the jury finding Lytle guilty of first degree murder, with a recommendation of mercy.
Lytle had been facing life in prison.
That recommendation means that Lytle could be eligible for parole after part of his sentence is served.
Roane County Prosecutor Josh Downey says, "We're happy with the first degree murder verdict, although we felt he should have had a life sentence."
Lytle will be sentenced on August 30.
Lytle shot Smith twice with a shotgun during a party in Tawney Hollow.
At the time, according to police, Lytle admitted to the offense.
The criminal complaint said the two men did not know each other well, Lytle shooting Smith in the chest while sitting on a couch.
Dec. 11, 2011 - State Police are telling state media that Jeremy Smith, 23, and Adam Scott Lytle, 29, were at a party together at a house near Newton when a shooting took place early Tuesday morning.
Police say that Smith and Lytle (left) were sitting on a couch together when Lytle picked up a shotgun and shot Smith twice. Smith died from the gunshots.
Both men were residents of Newton, police indicating Lytle had a history of violence.
Police are saying they are not sure what sparked the shooting, because Smith had never met Lytle before and they had not been fighting.
Lytle admitted to the crime, authorities say.
He is in Central Regional Jail without bond.
"Police located the suspect a couple hundred feet from the house, on a hill behind the residence," said Trooper Fisher. "Statements were obtained from three witnesses at the gathering."
ORIGINAL STORY - A Roane County man has been shot to death during an incident near Newton, Roane County.
Sources have told the Herald that a man in his 20's is dead, reportedly being shot during a party in Tawney Hollow.
First reports indicate police are interviewing about six individuals regarding the shooting, which reportedly happened following an argument.
The report indicates two gunshots had been fired, with individuals at the party yet to disclose who was the shooter.
A later report indicates an arrest has been made.
Tawney Hollow is a rural area off WV 36 near Newton, an area known as the Dog Creek Straight.
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