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Burnett case waived to local grand jury Melodie Phelps News Editor The Wayne County Grand Jury could hear the case against Rodney Burnett this week. Burnett is charged with murder in connection with the June 10 stabbing death of Gregg Jones. Burnettıs case was waived to the grand jury Monday morning, after a preliminary hearing in Wayne District Court before Judge Robyn Williams. The only testimony was presented by Deputy Tommy Stinson, who was one of the first officers on the scene early June 10, after the 911 dispatch center had been notified that a murder had occurred on Highway 167. Police found Jonesı body face down in the creek, where they say he had been dragged after he was stabbed. He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 1:45 a.m. But the stabbing had occurred several hours earlier, according to testimony presented by Stinson Monday, as he was questioned by Assistant County Attorney Rod Tajeda. He said that two witnesses, who came to the police station to report the murder, said it occurred sometime around 9 or 9:30 p.m., after an altercation between Burnett and Jones. Witnesses stated to Stinson that Burnett had accused Jones of being a ³rat,² and the two had exchanged words. According to what witnesses told the deputy, Burnett pulled out a pocket knife and the fight occurred. Stinson said that Jones sustained 19 knife wounds, including what the autopsy concluded to be a fatal wound to the left side of the neck. Preliminary autopsy results also show that Jones had water and mud in his lungs, Stinson stated. That indicated the victim was still alive when he went into the creek. Stinson also said there were cuts on each hand and on his left shoulder. The other wounds were mostly to the head and neck, according to Stinsonıs testimony. Stinson said there was a large amount of blood found outside on the grass, as well as along the drag trail from the residence to the creek where Jonesı body was found. He noted that a car belonging to Burnettıs girlfriend also had blood on the passenger side door. No test results for blood evidence have been made available yet, said Stinson. Stinson said that while he was talking to the two witnesses at the police station, the dispatch center received a call that Burnett was in the Wayne County ER. Stinson met Sheriff James Lynn Hill at the ER, where Burnett was being treated for several cuts. Stinson said Burnett was arrested and transported to the Wayne County Detention Center, after his treatment was completed. Teresa Whitaker, who represented Burnett at the hearing, asked Stinson why there was a delay in the time the incident occurred and the discovery of Jonesı body. Stinson said two witnesses stated that Burnett had threatened he would come back and do the same thing to them if they called police. Burnett remains lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center. Add a comment |
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