Opinion ID: 2993665
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Underlying Criminal Proceeding

Text: On June 7, 2007, Steven Watkins entered Zimm’s Pharmacy in Fayetteville, West Virginia, wearing a hard hat, sunglasses, and a red bandana that masked his face. When Watkins entered the 3 store, only the owner, Mike Zimm, and two female employees were inside. Watkins began to ask Zimm a question, but Zimm could not understand it and asked Watkins to repeat the question. Watkins then “tried to move his mask, or his disguise . . . so that [his speech] wouldn’t be muffled as much” and repeated his question, asking Zimm whether he had “pushed the button” to activate the store’s security system. Even though he had not done so, Zimm told Watkins that he had in fact activated the system, which prompted Watkins to flee the store and to enter a nearby apartment building. Watkins was eventually arrested and charged with “attempted robbery in the second degree,” in violation of W. Va. Code § 61- 2-12(b), which punishes “[a]ny person who . . . attempts to commit robbery by placing the victim in fear of bodily injury.” At Watkins’ trial, Zimm testified on behalf of the State and explained how Watkins had placed him in fear of bodily injury: Q: You indicated that you were fearful of [Watkins]; is that correct? A: Yes, I was fearful. I didn’t know what to expect for me or my employees. Q: [W]as there anything going on . . . in your business community at this time that triggered that fear . . . ?