Two local men who are facing murder charges in separate incidents both made appearances in Clinton Circuit Court last Monday, September 19 for purposes of arraignment. Circuit Judge Eddie C. Lovelace presided over the cases that were on the court docket.

Anthony D. Troxel, charged with murder in relation to the July shooting death of James Thomas Dyer II, was determined to be eligible for the services of the Department of Public Advocacy and Attorney C.B. Bates was appointed to represent the defendant.

Troxel, through the court appointed attorney, waived formal arraignment, entered a plea of not guilty and a pretrial conference date was scheduled for November 21.

In addition to the murder charge, Troxel is also charged with first degree wanton endangerment, violation of an EPO/DVO, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of second degree persistent felony offender.

Ira Boles Dyer III appeared with counsel, Attorney Angie Capps, who also waived formal arraignment and entered a not guilty plea with a pretrial conference being scheduled for November 7.

Dyer is charged with murder by use of a motor vehicle in connection with the April death of Ina Edwards, who was killed in a two-vehicle collision on North Hwy. 127.

In addition to the murder charge, Dyer is also charged with three counts of first degree wanton endangerment and four counts of second degree persistent felony offender.

Several other defendants also appeared in circuit court last Monday for arraignment on various charges, each entering not guilty pleas and having future pretrial dates set.

The following are cases in which some type of resolutions in cases were reached during the second September term of Clinton Circuit Court last Monday:

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Lisa York, pursuant to a plea agreement effectuated on August 15.

The defendant entered a guilty plea on a charge of trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, with a 10-year sentence imposed, probated for five years with supervision. Under terms of the plea, a charge of persistent felony offender-second degree, was dismissed.

* During arraignment in the case of Commonwealth vs. Jeffery Lynn Mason, who entered a not guilty plea to a charge of receiving stolen property, the court requested the defendant be drug tested. He tested positive for suboxin and also a possible positive for methamphetamine. He was found in contempt of court and given a six-month jail term.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Dora Beth Baise, a plea agreement was reached.

The Commonwealth recommended that upon a plea of guilty to tampering with physical evidence, the defendant would receive a three-year sentence, pretrial diverted for three years with supervision and a condition would be she enter and complete the Clinton County Drug Court Program. Also, charges of possession of marijuana and theft by unlawful taking or disposition would be dismissed.

* In the case of Commonwealth vs. Jesse Pittman, the case of escape-second degree remained set for trial on September 30, with charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of a meth precursor was continued until the above case has been concluded.

Several other cases were on the docket last week but were delayed or continued for various legal reasons.