Man pleads guilty to Fairmont murder after 'drug deal gone wrong'

FAIRMONT, W.Va (WDTV) – A man arrested for his role in a March 2023 murder in Fairmont entered a guilty plea this week.

Zeighshawn Meade, 20, was scheduled to stand trial this week but instead pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the shooting death of 22-year-old Clayton Peck at the Fairmont Hills Apartments on Cleveland Avenue.

Initial reports said Meade shot Peck in the head after a “drug deal went bad,” as police uncovered a conversation between Meade and Peck about arranging a drug transaction just minutes before Peck was fatally shot.

Meade, along with Illes Williams and Jayden Cheriza, were charged with Peck's murder in October 2023, and Williams was sentenced to life in prison last month for his role in the murder.

According to Assistant District Attorney Shawn Murphy, Meade faces life in prison and a judge will determine the sentence at a hearing that has not yet been scheduled.

According to Marion County Prosecutor Jeff Freeman, Cheriza's sentencing is pending because he will not be sentenced until after Meade and Williams' cases are concluded.

Previous coverage:

Teen sentenced to life in prison for involvement in Fairmont murder

Two minors among three charged with first-degree murder in Marion County

2 people charged after man fatally shot in 'targeted attack' at Fairmont apartment complex

Copyright 2024 WDTV. All rights reserved.