Murder trial begins Monday

Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 23, 2005

WINTON – More than six years after the crime occurred, a trial will begin here Monday morning for the alleged murder of Tyrelle Deshun Overton of Ahoskie.

Eric Alan Oakes, 25, faces one count of first-degree capital murder along with another count of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and first degree kidnapping.

Oakes was arrested on April 7, 2003, after a nine-month investigation into Overton’s death.

Overton, 20 at the time of his death, was shot and killed on July 13, 2002 in Ahoskie.

Another suspect, Oakes’ alleged partner in the crime, was arrested in February of 2003 and also charged with murder.

The trial will be held at the Hertford County Courthouse and is the only item on the criminal calendar for the week of Superior Court.

Jury selection is expected to begin Monday with the Honorable William C. Griffin, Jr., presiding.

District 6B Attorney Valerie Asbell is the prosecuting attorney and Oakes is represented by attorney David Sutton.

The homicide was the first to occur in Ahoskie during the 21st century.