Wednesday, May 15, 2002
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Wednesday, May 15, 2002 |
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Twins accused of murder are denied bond
By JOHN
MUNFORD
Twin brothers accused of killing a motorist in Fayetteville minutes after robbing a grocery store will remain in jail after they were denied bond Monday. Melvin and Marvin Mitchell, who have been charged with murder in the death of Jason A. Trotman, led police on a high-speed pursuit after their vehicle left the area of the Ingles grocery store moments after the robbery was reported, police said. Police say Melvin Mitchell drove the getaway car, which eventually crashed into Trotman's vehicle. Trotman was pronounced dead at the scene. A Fayetteville police officer said the pursuit, which began after the Mitchell's car ran a nearby red light, topped speeds of 110 mph. The brothers fled the vehicle on foot after the crash. One was apprehended by two Fayetteville police officers while the other was arrested by several sheriff's deputies. Superior Court Judge Paschal English decided not to set a bond for the Mitchells, who face murder, armed robbery and kidnapping charges. District Attorney William McBroom said the police chase was evidence the Mitchells were a flight risk. McBroom opposed any bond being set for the suspects. Dwight Thomas, the Mitchells' attorney, asked for the judge to address McBroom's concerns by setting a bond with special conditions. The Mitchells' mother, who lives in Alpharetta, testified that one of the boys would live with her; the other would live with his wife of three months, according to the wife's testimony. English told attorneys for both sides that he didn't want the case to be delayed unnecessarily. Thomas said it may take some time for him to prepare since he is considering a challenge on the racial makeup of Fayette County's jury pool based on the results of the 2000 Census.
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