From FCNO Staff Reports —
The original charges of second degree murder have been changed for the two suspects in the Hamilton Woods Jr. homicide.
On Monday, Feb. 27, a grand jury indicted Gavin Miller, 18, on a charge of first degree murder which carries the chance of the death penalty. Miller is the suspected shooter.
Dillon Piper, 19, the described getaway driver, had his charges lessened to accessory after the fact, a Class C felony, with a maximum sentence of 19 years and three months. Piper had possession of the gun that was used to murder Woods, but after an investigation of four-plus-weeks no gun owner’s name has been released.
Miller’s lawyer is claiming self defense, stating Woods repeatedly punched his client in the face and feared for his life.
Brooke Harper, the third passenger in the car along with Piper and Miller, is not facing charges in connection with the murder of Woods, however, she is facing charges of communicating threats after a warrant was taken out after the incident by Autumn Futtrell. Futtrell claims Harper threatened to kill her and her mother. Harper reciprocated and took out a warrant against Futtrell.
Special Prosecutor Lisa Coltrain said the murder stemmed from a planned fight between Futtrell and Harper, over Harper’s boyfriend, Miller.
Harper and Futrell are scheduled to be back in court May 24.
-30-