Found Deceased NC - Allicia “Allisha” Dene Watts, 39, left home in Charlotte, car found in Anson County, 16 Jul 2023 *arrest*

[PommyMommy]

OCT 25, 2023

Death penalty off the table for James Dunmore, man accused of killing Allisha Watts

The man accused of killing Allisha Watts will not face the death penalty.

abc11.com

[...]

On Wednesday, Dunmore was in court for a routine death penalty hearing. Prosecutors told the judge the state did not intend to seek the death penalty against Dunmore.

Prosecutors only presented cellphone evidence in court when revealing they would not seek the death penalty in the case.

"I had hoped there would have been more evidence today that would make it more possible or imperative that the death penalty be sought," Watts' mentor Dorothy Brower said.

[...]

The judge determined Dunmore would be held on a $1 million bond. If he makes bail, he will be under house arrest and electronic monitoring; he would also only be allowed to leave his home for work or medical reasons.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

OCT 25, 2023

James Dunmore given $1 million bond in Allisha Watts murder case; Montgomery DA won't seek death penalty

A $1 million dollar bond has been set for James Dunmore in the murder of Allisha Watts.

www.wral.com

"We came a long way but apparently we haven’t gotten far enough," TH, Allisha Watt's cousin said.

Dunmore is due back in court Jan. 8. He could face life in prison without parole.

"I don’t understand how he’s able to get out or the possibility that he can spend the holidays with his family but Allisha’s not going to be able to make the holidays with her family," TH said.

 

[PommyMommy]

DEC 7, 2023, updated JAN 4, 2024

Friend of Allisha Watts continues her legacy as she faces her own struggle with mental health

Taisha Calloway lives with schizoaffective disorder and just gave birth to twin boys. She's facing a lot as she continues to grapple with the loss of her friend.

www.wcnc.com

The legacy of Allisha Watts lives on with the people who knew her. The Moore County woman, allegedly killed by her boyfriend this summer, was an advocate for mental health awareness. Before she was killed, she was planning on opening up a group home for those who needed help.

WCNC Charlotte anchor and reporter Jane Monreal first met Taisha Calloway at a vigil for Watts. Calloway said Watts was always available to lean on, and is now leaning on the community herself.

Calloway, from her bedside at the hospital, recently shared the same sentiments that many of Watts' loved ones shared.

"What I can say is Allisha is truly missed," Calloway said. "She's always wanted to help people."

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 23, 2024

Allisha Watts' family holds vigil in front of Montgomery County courthouse

Watts' boyfriend, James Dunmore, is accused of killing her last July while she was visiting him in Charlotte. He is due in court next week.

abc11.com

A vigil for Allisha Watts was held in front of the Montgomery County courthouse Tuesday.

Family and friends said they were concerned that investigators and prosecutors haven't informed them of any new information in the case.

Prayer vigil held for Allisha Watts, boyfriend charged with her murder is due in court

Friends and family of Allisha Watts gathered for a prayer vigil in her honor nearly five months after her body was found deep in the woods in the town of Norman.

www.wral.com

Watts' friends and family said Tuesday that they believe information from prosecutors has been minimal.

"There has to be more investigation and there has to be more accountability," Brower said.

Watts' family is still awaiting the autopsy results, which would reveal the manner of her death.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

In a courtroom closed to cameras Monday, Dunmore's defense attorney asked a judge to expedite the release of materials related to the case.
Dunmore was not in court because of the preliminary nature of the proceeding, according to his attorney.

The defense said they still haven't received an official cause of death for Watts, despite months of waiting and requested Dunmore's bond be reconsidered if evidence is not brought forward soon by investigators.
“I don’t think bond was set high enough in the very beginning, so why discuss a lower bond," Watts' mentor Dorothy Brower said.

Defense attorney for boyfriend of Allisha Watts asks judge to expedite release of evidence in court Monday

James Dunmore did not make an appearance at Monday's hearing. Dunmore could face life in prison if convicted of Allisha Watts' murder.

www.wcnc.com

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 29, 2024

Defense attorneys demand more evidence in Allisha Watts case

Defense attorneys demanded more evidence Monday in the Allisha Watts case.

www.wsoctv.com

The judge didn’t hold back with his concerns, saying that if nothing is being provided, it is “either grossly negligent or there’s been a lack of attention” to Watts’ case.

The judge gave prosecutors 45 days to produce the requested items.

“We need answers in our whole community as to what happened,” Cuthbertson said.

The judge added that if the prosecution can’t meet that deadline, they run the risk of some evidence being ruled inadmissible if and when this case goes to trial.

 

[PommyMommy]

Updated to Jan 29, 2024

Allisha Watts timeline: Body found more than 1 month after she was reported missing

This Allisha Watts timeline details the moments before Watts was reported missing to when a body was found on Aug. 24, 2023.

www.wral.com

Allisha Watts timeline​

May 23: A domestic violence order is filed against Dunmore in Durham County.
July 14: Allisha Watts' friend Learen Blue said Watts traveled to Charlotte on July 14 to see Dunmore in her black Mercedes SUV.
July 16: Watts was last seen by friends in Moore County. Watts and Dunmore had tickets to a comedy show in Charlotte at Bojangles Coliseum that night, but they did not attend.
July 18: Watts' phone and Dunmore's phone pinged at his house in the morning. Hours later, Watts' black Mercedes SUV was found in parking lot of Anson County DMV office in Polkton. Dunmore is found inside and unresponsive. Watts was not located.
July 19: Watts' cousin calls CMPD, saying Watts had not been heard from and had not shown up for work, which was out of character for her. CMPD file missing persons report for Allisha Watts. Foxfire police search Watts' home and do not find her.
July 20: Anson County Sheriff's Office links SUV to Watts and calls Dunmore "a person of interest" in her disappearance. A shell casing was found along the street in front of Dunmore's home. The sheriff's office said their last update on Dunmore's status was July 20, and he was still alive at that point.
July 24: CMPD announces Watts' car has been found.
July 25: Anson County Sheriff's Office releases statement saying Dunmore was found along with the SUV.
July 26: Police officers are seen searching Dunmore's Charlotte-area home.
Aug. 24: A body was found in the area of Norman, a small town along Interstate 74, near the Richmond and Montgomery County line. The body has yet to be identified but is believed to be the remains of Watts, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said. A family member of Watts told WRAL News Dunmore was taken into custody outside his home.
Sept. 14: A court found probable cause that James Dunmore murdered Allisha Watts on or around July 18.
Jan. 23, 2024: Friends and family of Allisha Watts gathered in Moore County for a prayer vigil. Watts' loved ones say the goal is to keep her name in the spotlight as they await a trial. Watts' boyfriend, James Dunmore, was charged in her murder.
Jan. 29, 2024: Attorneys for James Dunmore asked a judge to lower his $1 million bond. The judge agreed to expedite the case, setting a 45-day window for the state to share information. Additionally, Dunmore's attorneys asked for more evidence, including evidence showing how Watts died, but state prosecutors said they had no information to share. Allisha Watts' family was in attendance and said they were glad the case was expedited.

 

[tlcya]

Allisha Watts’ loved ones deliver letters to DA to push case forward

By Jonathan Lowe, wsoctv.com
February 15, 2024 at 6:17 pm EST

Less than a month from now, investigators are expected to provide some key pieces of evidence in the case. In the meantime, Allisha Watts’ family, friends, and supporters are not giving up their push for justice for her.
[snip]
Brower said they are planning a vigil for March 5 in Southern Pines.

Dunmore is expected to be back in court on or around March 14.

 

[Considering]

“Given the scene findings, autopsy findings, and toxicological findings, as well as the impossibility of ruling out other competing causes of death because of skeletonization, the cause and manner of death in this case are best left as undetermined.”

Autopsy: Allisha Watts’ cause of death labeled undetermined

The report from the medical examiner’s office was released Wednesday.

www.wbtv.com

Medical Examiner’s Report:

https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/content/uploads/2024/03/j/b/Allisha-Watts-Autopsy-Report.pdf

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 13, 2024

‘Hoping for more’: Allisha Watts’ autopsy leaves many questions

An autopsy report reveals officials are unable to determine how Allisha Watts died.

www.wsoctv.com

In the newly-released autopsy report, investigators revealed they identified Watts’ body through a dental exam. When she was found, her body had decomposed into mostly skeletal remains. Her remains also appeared to have been disturbed by animals and insects.

Authorities said her remains weighed just 38 pounds and she no longer had any recognizable organs. They were also able to save the clothing she was wearing as evidence.

The autopsy report said officials could not identify any injuries, signs of trauma, or any other natural disease that happened before her death.

Allisha Watts’ cause of death listed as ‘undetermined’ in autopsy released

The cause of death for Allisha Watts, whose body was found in August 2023, is listed as "undetermined" in the autopsy conducted on her.

www.wral.com

In January, attorneys for Dunmore asked a judge to lower his $1 million bond. The judge agreed to expedite the case, setting a 45-day window for the state to share information.

Also, in January, Dunmore's attorneys asked for more evidence, including evidence showing how Watts died. However, state prosecutors said they had no information to share. Allisha Watts' family attended court on Jan. 29, and said they were glad the case was expedited.

 

[borndem]

Grrrrr. At least it's moving forward a bit.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 14, 2024

Family, friends gather for vigil ahead of court appearance for Allisha Watts murder case

Friends and family held a vigil for Allisha Watts Thursday at a community center in Moore County.

abc11.com

[...]

Thursday's vigil comes ahead of James Dunmore's court appearance scheduled for Monday. ... Friends and family say they're discouraged that Allisha's autopsy results came back inconclusive Wednesday after months of waiting. But the report says Allisha's body was severely decomposed ...

[...]

Meanwhile, friends point out that the cherry tree they planted for Allisha in September is just starting to develop buds. They said it's a bright spot amid a frustrating period for her case.

[...]

The state has not filed any new evidence for Allisha Watts' murder case at this time. The deadline is Friday.

Prayer vigil held for Allisha Watts following release of autopsy

The vigil comes after the autopsy report for Watts was released on Wednesday.

www.wsoctv.com

Dunmore, the prime suspect, may ask for his bond to be reduced since the autopsy was inconclusive.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 15, 2024

Allisha Watts murder: Bond remains at $1 million for boyfriend awaiting trial in jail

James Dunmore, 51, who is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Allisha Watts, will remain in a Montgomery County jail under a $1 million secured bond.

www.wral.com

WRAL News on Friday confirmed that Dunmore's attorney has asked the court to change his $1 million secured bond to unsecured so Dunmore can wait for trial outside of prison.

Dunmore's defense argued that, since there was no clear cause of death, prosecutors cannot meet their burden of proof against Dunmore.

Allisha Watts case: Judge will not release murder suspect after autopsy ruled death 'undetermined'

James Dunmore, a man charged with murdering his girlfriend, appeared in court after filing a motion for his release.

abc11.com

The motion to release stated that "without an expert able to state that the death of Ms. Watts was unnatural and/or not an accident, the State cannot survive their ultimate burden of proof in the case of the Defendant and in light of the new evidence, Defendant should be released immediately by the Court pending the State's further investigation and or dismissal."

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 15, 2024

Allisha Watts murder: Attorney calls for James Dunmore to be released from jail

The attorney for James Dunmore, who is charged with murdering his then-girlfriend Allisha Watts, is calling for his release.

www.wcnc.com

[...]

Allisha Watts disappearance timeline​

July 16, 2023: Allisha Watts is last seen leaving James Dunmore's home in northeast Charlotte. The couple was supposed to attend a comedy show at Bojangles Coliseum but Watts never made it, family members said.

July 18, 2023: Dunmore was found unresponsive in Watts' Mercedes-Benz SUV outside a DMV office in Anson County. Detectives said he appeared to be the victim of an apparent attempted suicide.

July 19, 2023: Watts is reported missing by family after she never returned home from Charlotte. Her best friend said it wasn't like Watts to not show up at work and she immediately became suspicious.

July 20, 2023: A shell casing was found by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police outside Dunmore's home. It was for a 9 mm handgun.

[...]

(Timeline continues through Mar 13, 2024)

 

[LovesPeace2]

MAR 15, 2024

Allisha Watts murder: Bond remains at $1 million for boyfriend awaiting trial in jail

James Dunmore, 51, who is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Allisha Watts, will remain in a Montgomery County jail under a $1 million secured bond.

www.wral.com

WRAL News on Friday confirmed that Dunmore's attorney has asked the court to change his $1 million secured bond to unsecured so Dunmore can wait for trial outside of prison.

Dunmore's defense argued that, since there was no clear cause of death, prosecutors cannot meet their burden of proof against Dunmore.

Allisha Watts case: Judge will not release murder suspect after autopsy ruled death 'undetermined'

James Dunmore, a man charged with murdering his girlfriend, appeared in court after filing a motion for his release.

abc11.com

The motion to release stated that "without an expert able to state that the death of Ms. Watts was unnatural and/or not an accident, the State cannot survive their ultimate burden of proof in the case of the Defendant and in light of the new evidence, Defendant should be released immediately by the Court pending the State's further investigation and or dismissal."

Aw for fricks sake this is just to dang bad . The jerk gets to go free

 

[azure]

Aw for fricks sake this is just to dang bad . The jerk gets to go free

Though the suspect's attorney is calling for his release, nothing has been decided yet.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 17, 2024

Suspect charged with Allisha Watts' murder due in court​

Watts' boyfriend and suspected killer, James Dunmore is expected in court Monday, March 18.

 

[oliveyoutothemoon9]

Allisha Watts murder: $1 million secured bond remains for James Dunmore

James Dunmore, 51, who is charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Allisha Watts, will remain in a Montgomery County jail under a $1 million secured bond.

www.wral.com

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 18, 2024

Bond reduction denied for Allisha Watts murder suspect

The judge said he denied the request because he read the autopsy reports and believes the “undetermined” finding is because of condition of the remains.

www.wsoctv.com

[...]

The judge said he denied the request because he read the autopsy reports and believed the “undetermined” finding was because of the condition of the remains.

[...]

Watts’ loved ones call the ruling a victory.

“I’ll tell you what, if it was one of us, she’d be the one standing right here,” said Arthur Mason Sr., a friend.

Watts’ loved ones believe prosecutors have more evidence that will work in their favor.

Dunmore’s next court date is scheduled for April 15.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 15, 2024

James Dunmore expected in court Monday

The man accused of killing Allisha Watts is expected to appear in court Monday. This will be his first appearance since last month.

www.wcnc.com

The man accused of killing Allisha Watts is expected to appear in court Monday. This will be his first appearance since last month.