Judge Sentences Ohio Man in Fatal Charleston Shooting
Dominick Curtis Gray received a multi-year prison term for the 2023 death of a Charleston woman.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Violence
A Kanawha County Circuit Judge has sentenced 40-year-old Dominick Curtis Gray to prison for the shooting death of Charleston resident Beverly Hensley. The incident occurred in December 2023 at an apartment located on Lippert St.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process following an indictment for first-degree murder and a subsequent plea deal that addressed multiple firearm and violence charges. The case highlighted the dangers of gun violence, which also resulted in a grazing injury to a nine-month-old infant.
Judge Stephanie Abraham issued a 30-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and firearm charges, alongside an additional indeterminate 1- to 5-year term for unlawful wounding. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2026.
The players
Dominick Curtis Gray
He is a 40-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio, who was convicted for his role in the fatal 2023 shooting.
Beverly Hensley
She was a Charleston resident who died after being shot five times during an incident at an apartment.
Stephanie Abraham
She is a Kanawha County Circuit Judge who presided over the sentencing phase of the criminal proceedings.
The details
Dominick Curtis Gray, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, shot Beverly Hensley five times during the 2023 incident. The defendant had faced an initial charge of first-degree murder after being indicted in July 2024.
Timeline
December 26, 2023: The shooting occurred at a Lippert St. apartment.
July 2024: Gray was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder.
September 2026: Gray pleaded guilty to criminal charges.
October 2026: Judge sentenced Gray to prison.
Legal Context
This case follows the established West Virginia's sentencing guidelines for voluntary manslaughter and firearm-related felonies. It reflects broader efforts within the local judicial system to prosecute incidents of gun violence that result in loss of life.
The resolution of this case brings the judicial process to a close for the local community affected by the 2023 violence on Lippert St. Residents may view this sentence as a final step in addressing the safety incident that occurred in the neighborhood.
The takeaway
This case serves as a somber reminder of the life-altering consequences of firearm violence. Residents are encouraged to remain aware of local safety alerts and support community initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime in residential areas.
Further reading
For more information on local judicial outcomes, visit the Charleston Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV MetroNews.
