THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 23, 1994 TAG: 9411230466
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY A.V. GALLAGHER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: LEWISBURG, W.VA. LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
A former Virginia beauty queen accused of trying to kill a pregnant romantic rival and her parents was convicted Tuesday of reduced charges.
The Greenbrier County Circuit Court jury deliberated nine hours over two days in the trial of Tracy Lippard, 23, of Newport News.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on misdemeanors: two counts each of second-degree attempted murder and carrying concealed weapons, and one count each of battery, brandishing and improper use of registration plates.
The attempted murder convictions involved the parents of Melissa Weikle Scott and were reduced from felony first-degree attempted murder. Prosecutor Richard Lorensen said first-degree attempted murder is premeditated and deliberate, while second-degree attempted murder is ``more impulsive than deliberate.''
Lippard was found not guilty of a third felony attempted-murder count involving Scott; felony gun theft and a misdemeanor count of carrying a concealed weapon.
Lippard was released on $42,000 bond. She showed no emotion when the verdict was read but was near tears outside the courthouse afterward.
She faces up to 6 1/2 years in jail and a fine of $3,200 at her sentencing Jan. 4.
``In my heart, I know that I could never attempt to kill anyone,'' Lippard said in a statement read by her attorney, Paul Detch.
``However, I have to assume some responsibility for my actions though I never dreamed that anything I could do would ever be blown so far out of proportion,'' the statement read.
``I am truly sorry for violating the privacy of the Weikle home and family. I wish Melissa the very best in their future. For myself, I know I will grow and learn from this experience. I hope to soon go on with my life,'' the statement said.
Detch smiled throughout the courthouse after the verdict was returned. ``There were a lot of people who told me I didn't have a snowball's chance,'' he said.
He declined to call the case a victory for the defense, although ``we do not consider this a defeat.''
Lippard had been charged with four felonies and six misdemeanors. The defense had said its main worry was the felonies. Detch said he doubted Lippard would receive prison time.
Prosecutors said Lippard, the 1993 Miss Virginia runner-up, crowned her successor as Miss Williamsburg on Feb. 26, then drove 250 miles to Lewisburg for the attack. by CNB