Published: November 10, 2008 04:24 pm         

Three charged with felony murder

Three people are charged with felony murder and conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with a double homicide that occurred at a residence on Hwy. 70 E just west of Crab Orchard. A fourth person is being sought.

Albert Keith Patton, 49, was airlifted to The University of Tennessee Medical Center where he died shortly after arrival. The shooting took place at his residence. Robert W. Asher, 62, was rushed by ambulance to Cumberland Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Joshua Hutson, 22, Oak Ridge, was arrested that night about a mile from the scene. Alexander Carino, 23, and Amanda Spence, 23, both of Crossville, were arrested later.

The trio appeared before Cumberland County General Sessions Court Judge Larry Warner Monday and were appointed attorneys. Hutson was appointed Kevin Bryant of Crossville but there was an indication that Kevin Angel of Oak Ridge will be hired to represent him.

Crossville attorney Douglas Fields was appointed to represent Spense and the Public Defender's Office was appointed to represent Carino. All are being held without bond and are to appear back in court on Dec. 4.

A fourth person, Cody R. Cofer, 22, of Roane County, is being sought. Warrants charging felony murder and conspiracy to commit especially aggravated robbery have been signed against him. Assistant District Attorney General Gary McKenzie said at a press conference Monday that Cofer, who is known to have connections in Anderson and Roane counties, is to be considered armed and dangerous.