Self-isolation and quarantine are words that have become a part of the common vernacular to the average American, with the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic making its way through multiple occupational fields, including that of the 13th Circuit Court. While most named on the criminal case docket were available for their hearings, defense and prosecuting attorneys alike stepped in to fill the lull between cases to inform Judge Talley that some of the accused would not be available due to illness and results pending for the novel coronavirus.
Among cases that became postponed were a bond hearing for Odies Wilson, who faces charges of capital murder, aggravated robbery and first-degree battery with a firearm enhancement; and a hearing for Cole Thomas Dixon, who faces charges of computer child pornography and 25 counts of sexual indecency with a child.
“The Feds picked it up,” said Phillips on Dixon’s case. He explained that Dixon was facing charges in federal court and that Dixon would be entering a plea sometime between Dec. 10 and 11. State proceedings against Dixon are ongoing, with future court dates at the state level dependant on the plea that he enters in federal court, Phillips said.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Dixon was arrested on March 4, 2019, at a Columbia Road 36 home just outside of Magnolia city limits. Columbia County Sheriff ’s deputies went to the address, and were granted access to the property by Dixon’s father after a wait. Dixon was arrested without incident.
Wilson, who was scheduled to appear on the docket at 1 p.m. December 3, is expected to make his next appearance on Dec. 17, according to Phillips. He is represented by Attorney Ronald L. Davis Jr., who operates out of his law firm in Little Rock.
Wilson is suspected in the shooting death of Southern Arkansas University student Joshua Keshaun Smith. Smith was killed in the early hours of Aug. 11, the same day classes at SAU were scheduled to start.
Three other suspects besides Wilson have also been charged in relation to the incident: Shaivonn Anthony Robinson, 20; and Le’Kamerin Vaunye Tolbert, 21; and Qunicy Isiah Lewis, 20.