– Cross trial postponed to May
– Cross trial rescheduled for May.
By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 00:00:00.
Jury Selection for Murder Trial of Randolph County Man Delayed Until May, Special Prosecutor Assigned
Buckhannon, UK – In a surprising turn of events, the jury selection for the murder trial of Stephen Ray Cross, a 55-year-old Randolph County man, has been postponed until May. Additionally, the case will now be handled by a special prosecutor from Upshur County.
Originally scheduled for Monday morning, the examination of potential jurors has now been rescheduled for 9 a.m. on May 6 at the Randolph County Courthouse. Cross was indicted on one count of murder and one felony count of use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony by a Randolph County grand jury in October 2023.
The decision to assign a special prosecutor came after Randolph Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker recused his office from prosecuting the case due to a potential conflict of interest. Upshur County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Hinkle has taken over the case.
The charges against Cross stem from an incident that occurred in March 2023 at his home on Chenoweth Creek Road. According to the criminal complaint, police arrived at the scene to find Jonathan Chenoweth, 48, slumped over the center console of a UTV, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
The complaint further states that the windshield of the UTV had at least three bullet holes, and a witness confirmed that Chenoweth was unarmed. The witness recounted that when Chenoweth pulled into Cross’s driveway, Cross opened fire, shooting five to eight times. The witness observed Cross standing behind a white van approximately 5 to 10 feet away from Chenoweth, producing a sidearm and firing.
Officers discovered a total of seven spent shell casings from a 9mm gun, but no weapons were found near the victim. Prior to the shooting, law enforcement had received a call about a person shooting a dog on Chenoweth Creek Road. Officers were en route to that call when they were redirected to Cross’s home.
Cross is currently incarcerated at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
These recent developments highlight the complexity of the case and the need for a special prosecutor to ensure a fair trial. The delay in jury selection allows for a more thorough examination of potential jurors and increases the likelihood of a just outcome. The trial, now scheduled for May, will provide an opportunity for the facts to be presented in a court of law and for justice to be served..
“Cross trial delayed until May”
“Cross trial rescheduled for May”.