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Bradley Cantwell of Walker sentenced to 80 years in prison on two counts of murder

By Amber Phipps 3 min read

PARKERSBURG – Walker man Bradley Cantwell, 43, was sentenced to a total of 80 years in prison for the murders of a Walker couple from May 2024.

"I just want to apologize to the victims’ families," Cantwell said.

Wood County Circuit Judge J.D. Beane gave Cantwell the maximum 40 years for each count of second-degree murder on Monday, to be served consecutively.

In April, Cantwell entered into an Alford plea on both counts. The Alford plea means Cantwell didn’t admit to the crimes but acknowledged the amount of evidence the court has in order to convict him of the charges.

He was charged for the deaths of James Clifton Bailey, 41, and Felicia Jean Goff, 40, of 389 Morgan Ridge Road, Walker, on May 19, 2024.

A fire took place at the house and after the fire was contained, two deceased individuals were found. Upon further investigation, the victims were determined to have died before the house fire based on evidence and gunshot wounds.

According to Wood County Prosecutor Pat Lefebure, Cantwell had been a friend of the victims.

Defense attorney Joe Munoz said Cantwell was deemed competent for trial and "knows the gravity of his situation today.

"He understands that he is looking at a significant time in the prison system of West Virginia, and he hopes to use that time to rehabilitate himself and to make some sort of right out of this wrong that he has caused," said Munoz.

According to Munoz, Cantwell asked only for the sentences to be concurrent.

During the sentencing, Lefebure asked that the judge deliver the maximum sentence based on the evidence from the investigation. He described a confrontation that occurred leading up to the murders and the house fire as an attempt to cover the crime scene a day later.

Family members of Bailey and Goff spoke during the sentencing. Children, siblings, parents, and grandparents spent nearly 30 minutes in the courtroom describing the victims and their lives.

"Mr. Cantwell, I never met you until this very moment, and I will tell you, you broke a lot of hearts," said Norma Bailey, Bailey’s mother. "I hope you get where you can live with it."

James Bailey’s father, Mike, shared details about his oldest son’s life.

"James was blessed with a contagious laugh and perpetuous smile and a huge heart and a wonderful soul," he said. "There are many who want to know why you murdered my son and Felicia ... now's your chance."

Cantwell has the right to an appeal up to 30 days and would be appointed an attorney if he chooses to appeal.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com

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