West Virginia Prison Slaying Goes to Jury

(AP)

MOUNDSVILLE, W. Va.

The murder trial of West Virginia Penitentiary inmate John Boggess went to a Marshall County Circuit Court Jury yesterday after only a brief presentation by the defense.

The prosecution had ended its testimony by noon when the final state witness

played a tape recording be fore the court which includ ed admission of the killing by Boggess.

West Virginia trooper J. D. Higby played the taperecorded transcript in which Boggess allegedly admitted slaying a fellow inmate' in the prison yard.

Boggess, 23, of Kanawha County, is accused in the April 26 stabbing death of inmate Robert McGilton, 31, of Wheeling.

AFTER HIGBY'S testimony, the state rested its -case and the defense took over yesterday afternoon.

In the tape recording, Boggess confirmed that McGilton was involved in a "love triangle," and noted that he was afraid of McGilton.

Assistant Marshall County Prosecutor Attorney

Charles Hughes contended when the trial began Tuesday that "insane jealousy" over-homosexual relationships led to the slaying of of McGilton.

Hughes said Boggess had begun an “illicit relationship" with another inmate and then became jealous when McGilton tried to lure him away with money and gifts.