Man accused of killing stepdaughter receives extension
A man who allegedly shot someone on Chestnut Street after an argument at a bar was one of those indicted on felony charges by the September term of the Monongalia County grand jury, who appeared before the respective judge in their cases Tuesday and Wednesday in Monongalia County Circuit Court.
At an arraignment hearing, a defendant appears with an attorney to officially acknowledge the charges against them and enter a plea.
On Tuesday, Jaja Fitzpatrick, 47, appeared before Judge Susan Tucker and pleaded not guilty to malicious assault, attempted first-degree murder, wanton endangerment involving a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm.
The U.S. Marshal Service and local law enforcement arrested Fitzpatrick Jan. 22.
He is accused of shooting a man who was waiting for his friend to pick him up in a car about 3:30 a.m., Nov. 17, 2019.
It was previously reported the victim was part of a group involved in an argument with Fitzpatrick that left the bar and went to the parking garage on Chestnut Street. While the victim was waiting, someone pulled up in a vehicle, got out and shot the victim in the arm.
Fitzpatrick is represented by Jason Wingfield and is free on $30,000 bond.
Donald R. Davis, a 73-year-old man who is accused of murdering his stepdaughter, was scheduled to appear before Chief Judge Cindy Scott on Tuesday morning but received an extension.
Ed Rollo, Davis’ attorney, said he was only appointed to represent him and had not been able to contact his client yet because the phone number he had for Davis was disconnected.
Assistant Prosecutor Brandon Benchoff said the state didn’t oppose giving Rollo 48 hours to reach his client and would do what he could to help Rollo contact Davis.
Scott agreed to the extension but warned if a hearing wasn’t scheduled by or on Friday a warrant for Davis’ arrest would be issued.
Judge Phillip Gaujot held arraignments on Wednesday afternoon.
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