MARTINSBURG, W. Va. — A Martinsburg man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 death of his wife by a Berkeley County jury. Samuel Lee Lineberg, 57, confessed to killing his wife with a baseball bat after discovering her intention to leave him. Despite his defense attorney’s efforts to have the charge reduced to second degree, Lineberg was convicted.
The jury then deliberated over whether to impose mercy in his life sentence. Ultimately, the jury decided that no mercy would be attached to the defendant’s sentence. Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Catie Wilkes Delligatti stated that this verdict is significant considering that nearly half of all female homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. She urged those experiencing intimate partner violence to seek help from the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center.
Sentencing for Lineberg is scheduled to take place on June 18th before 23rd Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Laura V. Faircloth. The murder investigation was conducted by Cpl. T.W. Cook of the Martinsburg Detachment of the West Virginia State Police, with assistance from the Virginia State Police, who initially apprehended Lineberg. The prosecution of the case was carried out by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Hassan Rasheed and Raymond Boyce on behalf of the State.
Delligatti expressed her gratitude to Cpl. Cook for his thorough investigation and to Victim/Witness Coordinator Summer Nails for her exceptional work throughout the duration of the case. The details of the trial and its outcome highlight the significance of addressing domestic violence and the need for support services for victims.
This verdict serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise within intimate relationships. It underscores the importance of efforts to prevent and intervene in cases of domestic violence. The justice system plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, providing support for victims, and working towards a safer society. Initiatives like the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center provide vital resources for individuals facing domestic violence situations. It is crucial that communities come together to raise awareness and foster an environment where victims feel empowered to seek help.
The conviction of Lineberg for first-degree murder represents a step towards justice, but it also serves as a call to action. It serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done to address and prevent domestic violence. By bringing attention to the complexities surrounding this issue, there is an opportunity to prompt change and create a society that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all its members. The determination shown by the jury in this case indicates a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, and it is through continued efforts that progress can be made in combating intimate partner violence.