Grandfather Of Accused Killer In Murder Of ECU Student Speaks Out

Hundreds gather in Australia to say their final goodbyes to Christopher Lane, the young man innocently gunned down in Duncan.

Three teenagers are accused of killing Chris and tonight, the grandfather of the alleged gunman tells News 9 he is praying for the victim's family and also his own.

For nearly two weeks, the teenagers have been locked up here at the Stephens County Jail. News 9 is told visitors are not allowed here, but one grandfather says he's had a serious talk with his grandson during a phone call from the jail cell.

Rick Bumpas is hanging on every word his grandson, 16-year-old Chancey Luna has said since being named the gunman in the murder of Christopher Lane.

The grandfather raised Luna for 13 years.  He admitted his grandson has previously been in trouble with the law for getting in a fight with another teenager, but Bumpas does not think his grandson is capable of killing someone

At last check, no one has filed a motion requesting the trial be moved out of Stephens County. A preliminary hearing has been set for Oct. 17.

8/27/2013 Related Story: Judge Issues Gag Order In Case Of Australia-Native's Killing

8/20/2013 Related Story: Suspects Arraigned On Murder Charges In Australian Athlete's Death

8/19/2013 Related Story: Police: ECU Baseball Player, Australian Native Target Of Random Killing