By Erin Smith
Two cases of interest to Bladen County residents have court dates set for later this fall.
Jonathan Parker is accused of killing 78-year-old John Robert Cole at Cole’s home in Elizabethtown on October 19, 2015. Defense Attorney Butch Pope told Judge Susan Gray in Bladen County Superior Court on Monday that Parker is in Cherry Hill Hospital.
Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Quentin McGee told the court that Parker is charged with first degree murder. He stated an agreement had been worked out about a year ago, but Parker was not competent at that time to accept the plea.
“It is important he stays there until the plea date,” said McGee. “We intend to have a capacity hearing, then do the plea.”
Judge Gray set Parker’s court date for November 13.
According to the court records, John Robert Cole was stabbed with an Army knife. Officers who responded to the residence found Cole with multiple stab wounds. Parker had left the residence and was captured after about an hour, according to reports.
The case of former Bladenboro Town Manager Delane Jackson is also pending in Bladen County Superior Court. He is charged with one felony count of obtaining property by false pretenses. His last court appearance was April 20, according to court documents.
Jackson is also represented by Pope. Judge Gray set Jackson’s court appearance for December.
About Author
