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Burnett pleads not guilty to murder charge Melodie Phelps News Editor The man charged with murder in the stabbing death of another man last month was arraigned in Wayne Circuit Court on Tuesday, July 5. Rodney Burnett appeared before Circuit Judge Vernon Miniard, Jr. and entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge. Burnett was appointed a public defender during the proceeding and a hearing has been set for August 16. Burnett was indicted last month in connection with the June 10 stabbing death of Gregg Jones, who was found face down in Town Creek. During a preliminary hearing held in Wayne District Court, Deputy Tommy Stinson testified that Jones had been stabbed 19 times, including a fatal wound to the left side of the neck. Preliminary autopsy results show that Jones had water and mud in his lungs, which indicated that the victim was still alive when he went into the creek. According to testimony given by Stinson at that preliminary hearing, Jones was stabbed following an altercation with Burnett at a residence on Highway 167. Police found a large amount of blood in the grass at the residence and then followed a drag trail over the hill to the creek where Jonesą body was found. Jonesą body was found just after 1 a.m. on June 10, but Stinson said that witnesses stated the altercation occurred at about 9 or 9:30 p.m. on June 9. Two witnesses came to the 911 dispatch center after 1 a.m. June 10 to report the incident. Burnett was arrested at about 1:37 a.m. on June 10 at the Wayne County Hospital, where he was being treated for lacerations to his left hand and forearm. Burnett remains lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center. Bond has been set at $250,000 cash. Add a comment |
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