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Dennis case will go to the grand jury Melodie Phelps News Editor The case against Robert Dennis, who is accused of killing his mother and brother, will go to the Wayne County Grand Jury. Dennis appeared in Wayne District Court on Monday afternoon for a preliminary hearing in connection with the November 18 shooting deaths of his mother, Dorothy Dennis, and his brother, Gary Dennis. Robert Dennis is charged with two counts of murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. According to testimony presented by Wayne County Sheriff James Lynn Hill, both victims were found shot inside the living room of the Hillard Avenue residence where they lived. Hill said that Dorothy Dennis was shot eight times and Gary Dennis was shot three times. Hill also said that Robert Dennis lived at the Hillard Avenue residence. Under questioning by County Attorney Lee Tobbe, Hill outlined the events of Friday, November 18. He said his department first became aware of the incident when Dennis walked into the Monticello Police Department and told a dispatcher on duty that he had shot his family. Hill said Dennis was questioned by Deputy Ralph Miniard at the Monticello Police Station. Deputy Terry Davis and Officer Glenn Wolfe were on the scene when Hill arrived. The Sheriff said the two men were aiding victims until EMS arrived. Hill said Gary Dennis was lying on the living room floor and that Dorothy Dennis was sitting in a chair. Hill said both victims were shot with a .22 caliber weapon, which was recovered from Robert Dennis' vehicle at the Monticello Police Department. Jason Kinser, who is representing Dennis, asked Hill if a knife was found on Gary Dennis' body. Hill said to his knowledge no knife was found on the victim. He did testify there were two knives on a table in the living room but both blades were closed. Kinser also questioned Hill about the location of the two victims. Hill said they were on the same side of the room. He testified that 11 casings were found at the scene and all 11 rounds were accounted for. Hill said that Dennis came to the police station at about 2:51 p.m. He said the shooting occurred approximately 20 minutes before deputies arrived at Hillard Avenue. Kinser asked Hill about any conversation he might have had with Robert Dennis. Hill said he spoke with him later that night, when he went to Dennis' cell to inform him of the upgraded murder charge. Hill said Dennis told him to "write down that it was self-defense" in regard to his brother. Hill said Dennis told him that he did not mean to shoot his mother. Kinser also briefly questioned Wolfe, who said that he had not taken any statements from Dennis after the shooting. He testified that he had assisted the Sheriff's Department at the scene. At the conclusion of the hearing, District Judge Mike Lawson found that there was probable cause in the matter against Dennis and sent it to the Wayne County Grand Jury. Add a comment |
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