Inmate Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Fatal Cellmate Beating
Mbyayenge Mafuta, a 23-year-old inmate, faced sentencing in Franklin County Superior criminal court in St. Albans on Friday, Jan. 31, for the beating death of his cellmate, Jeffery Hall, two years ago. The tragic incident occurred on Dec. 22, 2022, at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, where Mafuta repeatedly kicked Hall, resulting in fatal brain damage.
During the sentencing hearing, Franklin County Superior Court Judge Alison Arms handed Mafuta a 15-to-30 year sentence, with all but eight years suspended, based on a plea agreement reached by State’s Attorney Bram Kranichfeld and Mafuta’s defense team. The plea deal included charges of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, to which Mafuta pleaded guilty in November 2024.
Addressing the court, Arms acknowledged Mafuta’s mental health struggles, expressing a need for more information regarding his condition. Assistant Attorney General Sophie Stratton emphasized that Mafuta would receive mental health treatment while incarcerated to address his criminal risk within the facility.
One of the poignant moments during the hearing was when Mafuta read a written statement, accepting responsibility for his actions and expressing remorse for the loss of Hall’s life. Mafuta recognized the impact of his choices, stating, “I’m sure he had his own dreams and people in his life that loved him, but because of what transpired on December 22 he’s no longer around. I could blame my hard upbringing, my mental illness and other players. However, I know I am responsible. I have to live with this for the rest of my life. Jeff’s family has to live with their loss for the rest of their lives.”
Throughout the sentencing, Mafuta maintained a composed demeanor, with a resolve to turn his life around and reintegrate into society responsibly. In response to the judge’s inquiry about his future plans, Mafuta expressed a desire to become an independent and mentally stable individual, committed to living a structured life and contributing positively to the community.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a sense of closure and acceptance from Hall’s family members, who were present in the courtroom but chose not to make a statement. State’s Attorney Kranichfeld conveyed their support for the plea agreement and the sentence, highlighting a belief that justice had been served while acknowledging Mafuta’s mental health challenges.
In reflecting on the outcome of the case, Kranichfeld expressed satisfaction with the sentence, describing it as fair and balanced in recognizing Mafuta’s mental illness while holding him accountable for his actions. The verdict signified a complex interplay between justice, mental health, and personal responsibility, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the criminal justice system.
As Mafuta embarks on his journey of rehabilitation and self-improvement within the correctional facility, the tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and a holistic approach to justice. The sentencing hearing encapsulated a blend of accountability, empathy, and the pursuit of redemption in a narrative that transcends the confines of a courtroom, resonating with broader societal themes of forgiveness and second chances.
