Press release from District Attorney’s office:
ASHEVILLE – Today the District Attorney filed and served a Notice of Intent to Seek Death Penalty on the defendant, Robert Jason Owens, through his lawyers for the two first degree murder charges he is currently facing.
The Court then conducted a Pretrial Conference pursuant to Rule 24 of the General Rules of Practice in Superior and District Court.
The purpose of the hearing is to ensure that the Defendant has the benefit of assistant counsel when the State is seeking the death penalty and to address other issues as needed.
District Attorney Todd Williams presented a brief forecast of evidence to be presented in the State’s case.
The Court noted for the record that the Defendant had been previously appointed assistant counsel and that both of the defendant’s attorneys were present in Court for today’s Pretrial Conference.
After concluding the hearing, District Attorney Todd Williams placed the matter on an administrative calendar in November.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.