Duncan Teen Charged As An Adult In Australian Athlete’s Murder

Prosecutors bolstered the charges against 17-year-old James Edwards Jr. 

Thursday, February 5th 2015, 7:50 pm

By: News 9


Prosecutors bolstered the charges against 17-year-old James Edwards Jr. 

Edwards is one of three teenagers accused of shooting and killing Australian native and East Central University baseball player, Christopher Lane.

According to records at the Stephens County courthouse, Edwards was charged as an adult with accessory after the fact, Thursday afternoon.

Edwards was originally implicated in the crime and charged with murder. However, prosecutors dropped that charge in February 2014 when Edwards agreed to testify against his alleged co-conspirators, Chancey Luna and Michael Jones, during a preliminary hearing.

8/9/2013 Related Story: Police: ECU Baseball Player, Australian Native Target Of Random Killing

The surprising move transferred Edwards' case to juvenile court. At that time, prosecutors announced they would certify Edwards as an adult and file new charge against him in the future.

Edwards has denied having any knowledge of a plan to kill Lane, despite earlier reports the teens killed Lane out of boredom. He is expected to testify against Luna and Jones at trial. The trial is currently set for April 2015.

Prosecutors cannot comment on the case because a judge has issued a gag order.

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