West Virginia man pleads guilty to triple murder in Martin Co.

MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – A West Virginia man plead guilty to three murders in Kentucky according to Martin County court officials.

Lance Ward plead guilty to murdering Derek James, 26, Amber Lockard, 31, and Micah Sammons, 20 in 2018.

According to state police, the three were found shot near an abandoned strip mine near the Pike-Martin county line in March.

Lockard’s car was later found in West Virginia.

Investigators say the evidence found in Lockard’s car led to the charges against Ward.

Prosecutors planned to seek the death penalty.

Court officials says the robbery charges against Ward will be dismissed.