From The Trussville Tribune Staff Reports
CLAY –Jeremy Conway Hardin, 39, of Clay, appeared in court Monday for a hearing related to the shooting death of Jody Marie Watson. During this court appearance, a preliminary hearing was set for July 6 at 1:30 p.m.
Hardin allegedly told deputies that he shot the victim, Watson, 38, from behind while she was in the kitchen of the Yellowhammer Drive home. There was also a history of reports of domestic violence at the residence, according to the sheriff’s department.
“Perception is not necessarily reality, and the issue in this case is everyone has not heard everything in this case,” said Hardin’s attorney, John Lentine.
Lentine suggests that the public wait to form opinions about the case or even Hardin until all of the facts have been presented to the court.
“I think it’s a fair thing for people to wait and see what the facts are before they make judgments about Mr. Hardin,” said Lentine.
During the court appearance Judge Tracie Todd asked the prosecutor’s office to continue to provide discovery to the defense attorney.
Sheriff’s Office records indicate that deputies have responded to the address on three prior occasions to investigate reports of domestic violence. The most recent occurrence was on March 9, 2016. Watson claimed to be the victim of domestic violence at the hands of Hardin, but declined to seek prosecution.
Hardin told detectives that there had been a history of arguing and fighting between him and the victim and he just wanted it to stop. He was arrested for murder. He posted a $50,000 bond and was released just after midnight the same day.