Murder conviction, life sentence handed down in Letcher murder trial
Channel: Mountain Top News
Date: 23/12/2017

Nearly four years after the stabbing death of Michael Hogg on New Year’s Day 2014, a jury convicted James Huffman IV in Hogg’s death.
In the 15th day of his trial, Huffman was found guilty on all charges against him. Those charges included complicity to the murder of Michael Hogg, damaging Hogg’s vehicle, and attempting to kill Christopher Puckett, Stacy Phillips and Samantha Mullins, critically injuring Puckett and injuring Phillips. Mullins was unharmed.
After Huffman was convicted, the penalty phase of the trial began.
Hogg’s father, Don Hogg, told the jury that his son was his best friend and the two were always there for one another. He recounted the last Christmas his whole family spent together.
Don Hogg then said holidays are difficult to endure now. He said Michael’s death is difficult, and was particularly difficult to explain to Michael’s then-3-year-old niece.
Christopher Puckett, whom Huffman stabbed in the back — the knife coming within centimeters of his heart — said he’s had survivor’s remorse, and sometimes wishes he could trade places with Michael Hogg.
Stacy Phillps, whom Huffman cut on the hand, said he has in-part withdrawn from some aspects of his life in the wake of the events of New Years Day 2014. He said he and Hogg were Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and when he watches football, he has the urge to try to call his late friend.
Hogg was killed following a confrontation between himself, Puckett and Phillps, and Huffman and Patrick Smith over an allegedly stolen bottle of whiskey. The defense has argued that Huffman was acting in self-defense when he produced a knife and stabbed the three men. Huffman testified the men were assaulting him when the incident occurred.
The defense in the case asked for leniency for Huffman, saying he deserves a shot a redemption. Huffman’s brother said he believes his brother can be redeemed. Joshua Huffman also said his brother’s addiction has thus far won over his brother.
Defense co-counsel Steve Owens said sending Huffman to prison for life, one of the potential sentences he faced, would prevent him from seeking redemption. Letcher Commonwealth’s Attorney Edison Banks said the case has never been about preventing Huffman from seeking redemption. It’s been about being held accountable for one’s actions.
But while Huffman’s defense counsel asked for leniency, James Huffman found none with the jury. Huffman was to life in prison for Hogg’s murder. He was also sentence to 20 years in prison for the attempted murder charge for Christopher Puckett; and 10 years for each attempted murder charge for Stacy Phillips and Samantha Mullins. He was also sentenced to an additional 5 years for the felony criminal mischief charge filed against him for the damage to Hogg’s car. All were ordered to run consecutively: All total, life in prison, plus 45 years.
Defense counsel Robert Wright said he believe Huffman was the victim of bias against his client. He said he plans to appeal the decision against Huffman.
Formal sentencing for Huffman is scheduled for January 18. Wright said he plans to file his appeal that same day.