The State is not seeking the death penalty in the murder case against 32-year-old Justin Drew Dalton, of Newton.
Prosecutors announced during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, that they do not intend to proceed with the murder case against Dalton as a capital matter.
Dalton is charged with murder for the May 27, 2019, death of Emden Lee Syres Jr., who was found deceased inside the bedroom of his Maiden home after he failed to show for work. Dalton also faces charges for larceny of a motor vehicle.
The defendant was spotted in a vehicle along Springs Road two days after Syres’ body was found and was taken into custody at that time by law enforcement authorities.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case.
CONTACT: Nathan Key
Phone: 828-695-6193
Email: Nathan.D.Key@nccourts.org