Death penalty trial starts Monday
Published 6:37 pm Monday, February 6, 2017
By Melanie Ruberti
LaGRANGE – The death penalty trial of Michael Dwayne Bowman, 33, is set to begin in a Troup County Superior courtroom Monday morning.
Bowman is accused of shooting and killing Griffin Police Officer Kevin Jordan, 43, while he was working an off-duty job at a Waffle House 1702 North Expressway on June 1, 2014, police said.
Attorney’s asked for a change of venue for the trial, citing concerns with the media attention surrounding the case. The Troup County Government Center was chosen as the site for Bowman’s trial.
The Spalding County District Attorney’s Office and Bownman’s defense lawyer spent weeks picking a jury comprised of Troup County citizens.
Officer Jordan was trying to break up a fight between several people who were asked to leave the restaurant, including Bowman’s girlfriend Chantell Mixon.
The off-duty officer was allegedly trying to restrain Mixon when Bowman allegedly shot Jordan several times in the back, police officials stated.
Jordan died from his injuries. He left behind seven children.
Bowman was indicted on three counts of murder, aggravated assault of a police officer, obstruction of a police officer, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to the Spalding County District Attorney’s office.
Mixon was also charged with murder in the case. It was unclear as of press time Sunday when or if she will stand trial.
Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She can be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.
