jpatterson@mariettatimes.com
Christopher Tatalovich and his defense attorney, Shawna Landaker, appear virtually for a bond and arraignment hearing in Washington County Common Pleas Court on Thursday.
Utilizing teleconference software Thursday, two of Washington County’s most recently indicted felony defendants and their attorneys appeared virtually for bond and arraignment hearings held by Washington County Common Pleas Court.
Attempted murder of Devon Ours
Washington County Prosecutor Nicole Coil outlined additional details concerning alleged events that have a Marietta man still fighting for his life following an assault last week.
“Time was critical, obviously, to Mr. Ours. I don’t know what his current medical prognosis is but that for the type of injury that he had and that he currently sustains are two collapsed lungs and he currently has very slight brain activity,” said Coil.
jpatterson@mariettatimes.com
Photo by Janelle Patterson
James A. McKnight, right, appears for a change of plea hearing in Washington County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday with Attorney Beau Cross.
A Marietta man pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony in exchange for the dismissal of felony bomb-making charges.
James Allen McKnight, 45, of 26 Colegate Drive, Marietta, was indicted in March 2020 on three charges, including two counts of unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance-illegally manufacturing or processing explosives, both fifth-degree felonies, and one count of improperly discharging firearm at or into a habitation, in a school safety zone or with intent to cause harm or panic to persons in a school building or at a school function, a second-degree felony.
Despite COVID restrictions, court cases are still moving forward at the Washington County Courthouse.
Several cases, including those of Kendall Richards and Devin Lindsey, were completed this year, with others extending into the new year.
“Ones that are more complicated are being continued,” said Washington County Prosecutor Nicole Coil. “A lot was not (completed) because trials ceased after March and we’ve had one trial since then. There hasn’t been much since COVID.”
She said they’ve tried to keep cases moving forward and when possible, reach pleas, but all attorneys are very concerned and hesitant to hold trials in COVID circumstances.