MORGANTOWN — A Michigan man was sentenced June 11 to serve up to 30 years in prison for a drug deal that ended with the death another person to whom he’d sold drugs.
Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Susan Tucker sentenced Titus Dove, 24, to 15 years in prison for drug delivery resulting in death and one to 15 years in prison for possession with intent to sell heroin. She ordered the sentences run consecutively and that they run after his current sentence of one to 15 years for possession with intent.
Dove sold heroin that killed Marcus “Taylor” Kelley.
Stacy Shamblin, Taylor’s mother, told the court through tears that her son was caring and full of life. She spoke about his passion for music and how she would never be able to hear him play again.
Shamblin said she hoped and prayed that after Dove serves his sentence, he is able to change his life for the better so his mother doesn’t have to go through what she has.
Taylor’s grandfather, Tracy Wilson, also spoke prior to sentencing and said he couldn’t understand why Dove sold drugs. Wilson also wished for Dove to change his ways after prison.
“Taylor has no opportunity to change,” he said. “You do.”
Dove briefly addressed the court after both his grandfather, Doyle Johnson, and stepfather, James Ingram, apologized for Dove’s actions and said they couldn’t understand what the Kelley family was going through.
“It’s not about me. It’s about the Kelly family,” Dove said.
Dove looked at Taylor’s family while apologizing. He said he’s not evil and that Taylor’s death was “never my intention.” He took full responsibility for his actions. Dove also apologized to his family for the distress, embarrassment and shame he caused.
“You haven’t failed as a family,” he said.
Monongalia County Prosecutor Perri Jo DeChristopher recounted the facts of the case and asked Tucker to impose the maximum penalty for both crimes.
Dove first appeared before Tucker in September 2017, when he pleaded guilty to possession with intent. He was allowed to remain free for sentencing and in October 2017 committed these other crimes, DeChristopher said.
