Gear faces life in prison

Posted on June 7, 2017

The mandatory/minimum sentence for first degree murder is life in prison and that is the reality Billy Lee Gear, 37, will face during a sentencing hearing Thursday morning before Circuit Judge Greg Parker.

The hearing comes two weeks after a jury found Gear guilty as charged for the Jan. 6, 2016, slaying of Melissa Darnell, a young mother of three.

PHOTO: Convicted murderer Billy Lee Gear is expected to be sentenced to life in prison during a hearing scheduled Thursday morning.

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