The 10-day murder trial for Phillip “Butch” Deckard is scheduled to begin on March 8th with jury selection in Lawrence County Superior Court I at 8:30 a.m.
Judge John Plummer III will preside. The trial, not jury selection, will be streamed live at this link.
Deckard also faces charges of aggravated battery when the assault poses a substantial risk of death, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon.
Deckard, 58, is accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend Charlene Silvers after a domestic dispute on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at the home the couple shared at 2738 Maul Ridge Road. Officials say Deckard and Silvers had a 13 year relationship.
Deckard told the officer that he and Silvers had argued that morning. Both taking part in breaking personal items inside the residence.
Deckard was in possession of a pistol until Silvers took it from him. Silvers shot the pistol at Deckard and then proceeded to pour gasoline from the living room to the bedroom and set the trailer on fire.
The argument continued with Deckard picking up a AR 15 rifle. Deckard told police Silvers shoved him backwards, causing the gun to go off.
Deckard told police he would never shoot her, that it was an accident, and he had never pointed the rifle at Silvers.
However at the hospital, Silvers told police there was an argument and Deckard shot her with an assault rifle. When the deputy asked if the shooting was an accident, Silvers shook her head no.
Silvers died from a gunshot wound to her stomach on Thursday, August 27, 2020, at 7:24 p.m.
