August 17, 2017
Pending crime lab evidence delays trial for suspect in Petersburg capital murder
PETERSBURG, VA (WWBT) - The man charged with capital murder after two people were killed in a crime spree in Petersburg will have to wait for a trial date.
Kristopher Jones, 32, was back in a Petersburg court room Thursday, where prosecutors decided not to pursue five of the charges he's facing - including grand larceny, car jacking, eluding police, robbery and the abduction of 76-year-old Pastor Alfred Woodard.
Jones is still facing capital murder charges for the deaths of his own girlfriend Janice Lugo, and the pastor's wife, 81-year-old Minnie Woodard.
Tony Woodard says it is painful to hear the details of his mother's murder and his father’s abduction, allegedly at the hands of Jones.
“My mother, she mattered. Minnie Woodard, she mattered. Janice Lugo, she matters. Those were two loving individuals,” said Tony Woodard.
On Jan. 18, police say Jones entered the Woodards' home and forced Alfred Woodard to drive him to the ATM. When Alfred Woodard alerted the bank to what was going on, Jones took off. Officers raced to the Woodard home, but when they go there, Minnie was gone - and there was signs of a struggle.
Lugo, who lived in the same neighborhood as the Woodards, was found dead the same day.
Jones was captured in Norfolk, and police say the information he gave officers lead to the discovery of Minnie Woodard’s body in Chesterfield.
Tony Woodard says his father is slowly recovering from the trauma of that day.
"It’s painful for him to think about, to know what happened," he said.
In court Thursday, defense attorney David Ball argued the eight months Jones sat in jail has infringed on his right to a speedy trial. Ball claimed prosecutors were stalling for tactical reasons.
"Everything they did could have been done faster, and he’s been sitting in jail this whole time," Ball said.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney said analysis of evidence from the state crime lab has taken longer than expect. The judge ultimately sided with the prosecution, saying they don’t have control over the lab.
Tony Woodard says he’s confident in the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and he hopes if the case does go to trial, it will bring his family closure. They plan to hold a rally next summer to try and put a stop to violence in their community.
"It's important for us to stand up and be counted, and to represent my mother, represent my father, represent my family. We're not going to take this sitting down. We're going to show up and hopefully heal from this," said Tony Woodard.
Jones is due back in court on Oct. 19.
http://www.nbc12.com/story/36158189/...apital-murder#
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