McDowell murder trial continues Monday

The prosecution will continue to present its case today in McDowell County Circuit Court in the trial of a Virginia man accused in the 2012 murder of War Mayor Tom Hatcher.

The prosecution has presented evidence claiming Earl Click, of Grundy, Va., murdered Hatcher for money to purchase prescription drugs. Click was charged with his sister, Rebecca Hatcher, Mayor Hatcher’s daughter-in-law. She was found not guilty of murder by a jury last year. She faces a second trial on a conspiracy charge next month.

Testimony Friday from a McDowell County sheriff’s deputy said Click smothered Hatcher, 72, by placing cellophane over his mouth.

Click, 28, grew up in War but lived in Grundy, Va., when he was arrested following the July 2012 death. Mayor Hatcher was found by city workers who became concerned about him when he didn’t come to work.