Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
It was quiet as proceedings began in Swain County Superior Court on Monday afternoon, Nov. 18, after two people wearing bright green prisoner uniforms had been seated with their respective defense.
Robert Dale Willoughby and LorrieAnn Marie Robinson have both been indicted on first degree murder and additional charges in the Aug. 14, 2020, death of Lenore Dawn Morris at her home on Deep Gap Road in Alarka. The state is seeking the death penalty.
On Monday, the courts granted the state’s motion to join the two cases together for trial and approved a reciprocal discovery motion.
In opening discussion on a trial date, ADA Jim Moore said he wasn’t suggesting anything before August 2025 and said the trail could take approximately four months.
The courts will have to consider a location, possibly in a neighboring county, since Swain County only has one courtroom suitable for trials.
M. Victoria Jayne, representing Robinson in the case, also stated, “On behalf of our clients, we are attempting to resolve it. We’re going to continue to work toward a solution. We’re talking about our clients’ lives.”
Tony C. Dalton, lead defense for Willoughby, said he hoped a trail would not take four months, and suggested later in the year.
Judge Tessa Sellers said she would begin the next steps, which requires contacting the state to assign a judge for the case.
The next administrative court date for Willoughby and Robinson is March 26.
In addition to the first degree murder charges, both defendants face charges of larceny of a motor vehicle, kidnapping and robbery.
The two were arrested in Mississippi after being found in possession of a vehicle, a 2002 Ford Explored, that had belonged to the victim following a monthlong search after Morris, 70, was discovered deceased at her residence. Willoughby and Robinson were extradited to Swain County in November 2020 after the indictment. They have both been held at the Swain County Detention Center since with no bond. In 2021, the court granted the state’s request to seek the death penalty finding there was sufficient evidence to support at least one aggravating circumstance to show that the crime of first degree murder was especially heinous.