ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Brian Alexis Nolin Melott pleaded guilty Tuesday to the shooting death of another man in Bellaire.

Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan announced the guilty plea in the April 27 murder case in a news release. Melott, 21, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a gun specification and two counts of tampering with evidence, Flanagan said. Common Pleas Judge John Vavra then sentenced Melott to 20 to 25.5 years in prison.

Flanagan wrote that the victim, David Allen, confronted Melott and tried to fight him, according to a Bellaire Police Department report.

“According to the report, Allen was defending friends who claimed Melott had pointed a gun at them.” Flanagan noted. “Conversely, Melott told police after the shooting that Allen’s friends had harassed her and her friends earlier in the evening. The report stated that Allen did not have a gun when he was shot after confronting Melott.

Melott bought a gun soon after he turned 21, Flanagan said.

“Mr. Melott was old enough to buy a gun, but not mature enough to be trusted with one.” Flanagan added. “We have a young man who lost his life, a young man who has been in prison for decades. It was an absolutely pointless move. The pain experienced by the victim’s family will last forever. “Our prosecutor’s office is ending their criminal case, but their pain will always continue.”

Flanagan said Melott’s family also suffered because of his selfish behavior. These cases affect families on both sides, the prosecutor said.

Flanagan concluded by praising the Bellaire Police Department for a very thorough investigation.

“We had numerous witnesses who gave testimony supporting both sides. “It was up to Chief (JJ) Watson and his officers to find out the truth, and they worked hard to do so.”

During questioning following his arrest, Melott told police that there had been arguments between him, Allen and a group of friends throughout April 27. These shootings allegedly took place at Melott’s home on Noble Street, at a playground and near Chirp’s Auto Body Repair. on Harrison Street.

Melott reportedly told investigators that Allen ran toward him with his hands in his pockets near the entrance to Apartment 17. “flexible” and took off his hoodie. Melott said he thought Allen was going to hit him, prompting Melott to shoot. Watson previously testified that officers were able to identify the T-shirt, hoodie and cellphone as belonging to Allen. There was no sign of gunfire on the shirts.

“Mr. Melott admitted that he was the one who pulled the trigger.” Watson testified. “Mr. Melott stated that he fired from the hip and hit David Allen in the side of David Allen. At that time he was told that no, there was a single bullet wound right in the middle of the mass. …

“During the interview, I asked Mr. Melott if Mr. Allen had a gun. … He said, ‘No, he didn’t have a gun.’”

Melott’s defense attorneys initially claimed he acted in self-defense but eventually helped him reach the plea agreement entered into Tuesday.