DA Wants Attorneys Removed In Murder Case (Asheville, NC)
The Buncombe County District Attorney wants the defense attorneys of an accused killer removed for conflicts of interest. Jason Owens is facing murder charges in the disappearance of then 18-year-old Zebb Quinn. He was last seen with Owens more than a decade ago. Owens is already serving time for a triple murder. DA Todd Williams told a judge this week that Owens wrote a letter to his girlfriend that stated they shouldn't be his attorneys.
Local Coalition Wants Former APD Officer's Accreditation Removed (Asheville, NC)
Asheville's Racial Justice Coalition is trying to make sure former APD officer Chris Hickman can't work anywhere else in law enforcement. Hickman was charged with assault after a leaked bodycam video showed him beating an accused jaywalker. Fourteen local organizations make up the coalition. The organization essentially wants the city of Asheville to remove Hickman's accreditation.
Students Arrested For Assault Of School Employees (Henderson County, NC)
Two students are facing assault charges in Henderson County for incidents involving school employees. The 16-year-olds were arrested for the assaults that occurred last Thursday at the Henderson County Public School Career Academy. Both have been released after making bail. One of the students had possession of marijuana charges added on as well.
Local School System Not Participating In Walkout (Madison County, NC)
Students around the country are expected to stage a walkout against gun violence and honor the lives of 17 people who died in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting one month ago. Madison County School Superintendent Dr. Jim Causby says schools there will hold a "civics instructional activity," rather than participate in a walkout. A release from the school system says "students and staff will be provided an opportunity to participate in a meaningful learning activity in a safe environment."
Sheriff's Office Evacuated For Suspicious Package (Henderson County, NC)
The Henderson County Sheriff's Office says its facility was evacuated yesterday to investigate a suspicious package. A woman stopped by with a box she had picked up from the post office with an unfamiliar address. A bomb squad was called in to look into the package, as is standard protocol in that situation. Inside the box was a coffee mug sent by a friend. The woman says she was cautious due to recent reports of explosives shipped in other states.
School Safety Committee Formed (Hendersonville, NC)
The Henderson County School Board is forming a committee to look into ways to improve school safety. The group was conceived at the board's meeting this week in hopes of looking into items like improved safety features and mental health aspects. Representatives from the sheriff's department, parents, business leaders and more are part of the committee. They will report back to the board of education in two months.