CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sissonville man is pleading guilty to multiple charges including the attempted murder of a police officer following a February shooting.
Nathan Oxley, 44, came before Kanawha County Judge Maryclaire Akers Tuesday for a plea hearing in connection to the officer-involved shooting of Kanawha County Deputy S.B. Savilla, who was responding to a domestic disturbance on Galena Lane in Sissonville on Feb. 29, 2024 when the incident occurred.
Oxley pleaded guilty to five out of the ten felony charges related to the incident, including not only Attempted Murder, but the Use of Firearm Under the Commission of a Felony, Malicious Wounding, Wanton Endangerment, and being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
In exchange for the plea, the prosecuting attorney agreed to dismiss the five other felony charges as well as some additional misdemeanor charges.
According to previous court documents, it was reported to the police that Oxley was violent and may have been under the influence of methamphetamines’ at the time. Savilla reported to spotting the suspect fleeing the scene in a vehicle while he was on his way to the scene.
Oxley said in court Tuesday that he did drive away when he saw the police showing up.
“Do you remember what day it was sir, or what time of the year?” Judge Akers asked.
“On February 29th I had a domestic disturbance, it wasn’t anything physical, but it was with my mom and a few people and the law was called,” Oxley stated. “I thought I saw some people lurking out in the woods around the house, but to make a long story short, I didn’t feel safe at that point in time.”
Oxley said he wanted to stop driving but the passenger he had in the vehicle with him at the time was encouraging him to keep driving. Sheriffs later identified the passenger as Becky Linville. She has not been charged.
Akers inquired Oxley if he remembered shooting at the officers at the time and he admitted to doing so.
“When you say several shots, who shot sir?” asked Akers.
“I shot,” Oxley said.
The criminal complaint stated that Deputy Savilla stepped out of his cruiser and Oxley “leaned out the driver’s side of the vehicle, and fired multiple rounds at Deputy Savilla.”Some of the rounds struck the driver’s side door and windshield of Savilla’s cruiser.
Akers told Oxley Tuesday that he’s lucky to be alive.
“Alright, you’re here today, you said you play, you pay, right Mr. Oxley,” Akers said.
Oxley could now face at least 15 years in prison and have to pay fines of thousands of dollars.
His sentencing is set for Oct. 28 at 9 a.m.