Suspect in Petersburg crime spree now charged with capital murder
PETERSBURG, VA (WWBT) - Kristopher Jones has now officially been charged with capital murder following a deadly crime spree in January.
Petersburg Commonwealth's Attorney Cheryl Wilson revealed in court last month that she intended to bring the charges.
Jones is accused of strangling his girlfriend, Janice Lugo, 52. Later that same day, Jones is accused of abducting and demanding money from Pastor Alfred Woodard, 81, after fatally stabbing his wife Minnie Woodard, 76, in the couple's Petersburg home.
If convicted, Jones could face the death penalty. He is now being represented by David Ball and Jon Thornburg, who are both "death qualified."
The son of Minnie Woodard, one of Jones' alleged victims, was in court Tuesday with his wife and aunt, Minnie Woodard's sister. It was the first time Tony Woodard faced his mother's alleged killer.
"It's difficult," Woodard said. "A lot of anger. It's an emotional roller coaster, day in and day out. Some days are better than others, then when you're brought back to the circumstances of what happened that day, it's difficult."
On Jan. 18, Woodard received a phone call with unimaginable news. His mom Minnie had been killed and his father, Alfred had been abducted allegedly by a man he didn't know, 32-year-old Kristopher Jones. Prosecutors say Jones confessed to the crimes. They also say he admitted to killing his girlfriend, Janice Lugo.
"No one has the right to take anybody's life, under any circumstance, and this was very unfortunate to happen to these two ladies, and one being my mother who had plenty more years," Woodard said. "It's not an easy thing. We are just encouraging one another, and we know it's going to be a long process."
Woodard said he plans to attend every court hearing for Jones.
"I believe justice will be served and it will be at a point where the entire family can come to some closure," Woodard said.
Jones will appear back in court for a status hearing on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.
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