Guilty verdict in Marion County murder case

FAIRMONT, West Virginia. – A man was convicted of first-degree murder in Marion County on Thursday.

After a three-day trial, a 12-member jury found Naquan Warren guilty of premeditated murder, first-degree robbery, burglary, assault during the commission of a felony and conspiracy in connection with the October 2022 beating death of Sean Gardiner.

The jury concluded that Warren had plotted with Shekea Fox, 33, of Fairmont, to steal drugs and money from Gardiner. The two conspired to rob Gardiner while he slept. Instead, Warren beat Gardiner to death with a metal bat. Prosecutors said he was struck more than 10 times.

The jury of eight women and four men took about 90 minutes to reach guilty verdicts on all counts.

Next, in the clemency phase of the trial, the jury will have to decide whether Warren is eligible for parole.