BAYBORO COURTHOUSE – Under extremely heavy security Wednesday morning, Ryan Cahoon, the primary suspect in a June 12 fire at Red Fox Stables that killed a migrant worker and two equines, stood before veteran District Court Judge David McFadyen III for what is known as a ‘felony first appearance.’
The session was very brief.
As is routine in murder cases, McFadyen explained he would apply to the state court system for assignment of a court-appointed attorney for Cahoon, presumably a criminal defense lawyer with experience in murder cases.
In black-and-white prison garb — and wearing handcuffs and ankle shackles – Cahoon left the second floor courtroom surrounded by at least a half-dozen Pamlico County Deputies and other law enforcement officers. During a short walk to the nearby Pamlico County Jail, Cahoon acknowledged shouted questions from this reporter but offered no substantive response.
District Attorney Scott Thomas and Pamlico County Sheriff Chris Davis met briefly with the area news media – explaining the gravity of charges against Cahoon, while stressing that any formal adjudication of the matter could take months, or even years. Thomas laid out the potentially severe and long prison sentences that could possibly be imposed, if and when Cahoon should be convicted of the alleged crimes.
Meanwhile, Cahoon is expected to remain incarcerated – ineligible for bail. His next court appearance is set for August.
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