Brothers enter Alford pleas in woman’s death

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Two brothers accused of participating in the 2002 slaying of a woman in Cabell County have entered Alford pleas to voluntary manslaughter.

Media outlets report that Nathaniel Barnett and Phillip Barnett entered their pleas Tuesday morning in Cabell County Circuit Court. In an Alford plea, a defendant doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges that the prosecution has enough evidence to convict.

The Barnetts are among four people convicted in the death of 21-year-old Deanna L. Crawford of Huntington. Crawford’s decomposing body was found in a secluded area of Salt Rock in August 2002.

Both brothers were convicted of second-degree murder in 2008. The West Virginia Supreme Court later overturned those convictions and ordered a new trial.

See ‘Salt’ during girls’ night out

ASHLAND, Ky. — This month’s Girls’ Night Out at Boyd County Public Library features the movie, “Salt.”

The Jan. 26 program starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Branch, 1740 Central Ave. Entry to Girls’ Night Out is a food dish to share, or $2. All funds collected go to purchase refreshments for the program.

The movie, rated PG-13, stars Angelina Jolie as a CIA agent who goes on the run after a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy.

Girls’ Night Out takes place the last Wednesday of each month. Men are welcome to attend, but the Girls’ Night Out program is not intended for children. The February GNO selection is “You Again.”

For more information, call (606) 329-0090 or visit www.thebookplace.org.