By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — A man accused of breaking into a neighbor’s home and shooting him in the head and an alleged accomplice may soon face a jury and trial in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Jeremy Jay Jones, 33, and William Wayne Chaffin, 26, were arraigned Monday before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge James Callahan on charges stemming from a Feb. 10 home invasion and shooting on Wilkie Street.
According to court records, the two are scheduled to next appear at a pre-trial hearing Thursday. A final conference is scheduled for April 29; barring any changes a jury trial will be held in July.
Police responded to the 7500 block of Wilkie Feb. 10, and reported that homeowner John Joseph Henry had been shot. Henry and his girlfriend had returned home at 10:30 p.m. to discover an intruder and burglary.
Following a brief confrontation, Henry was shot in the head and was taken to a hospital where he remained in critical condition for weeks. Jones reportedly lost an eye due to the assault.
Jones stood mute Monday when charged with 10 felony counts including assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, home invasion, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, felonious assault and several weapons charges.
Police said Chaffin became involved afterward when Jones called for help with stolen items. Chaffin was arraigned last week on charges of receiving and concealing stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm and accessory after the fact.
Jones remained in custody without bond; Chaffin remained in custody with bond set at 10 percent of $200,000. Jones and Chaffin have prior felony convictions and are on probation.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])