Victim’s Family Protests Alleged Murderer’s Motion to Move Trial Location

ATHENS- James Hood motioned to move his trial for the alleged murder of Christopher Coon in 2011 outside of Athens Clarke County. Hood fears that his name will be easily confused with Jamie Hood, who admitted to the murder Athens police officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian the same year.

Both James Hood and his wife will be tried for the murder of Christopher Coon. The alleged murder took place after a “drug deal gone bad”, and the couple allegedly staged Coon’s body to look like the murder took place in self-defense.

The victim’s family has protested the possible change in venue for the trial. Susan Coon, the mother of the victim, says that she believes that the trial should take place in Athens as the crime was committed in Athens. She has stated that she is confident in Athens Clarke County and believes they have done a good job with the case thus far.

Mandi Vickery, the victim’s girlfriend was five month’s pregnant with Coon’s son at the time of his death. She also believes the trial should take place in Athens Clarke County.

The pre-trial process will continue as usual until Hood’s motion to move the trial is either accepted or denied.