Gargis’ case bound over to grand jury
In a preliminary hearing Thursday for Shannon Dale Gargis, 28, of Spruce Pine, who was charged with capital murder in late March in the death of 22-month-old Serenity, Judge Paula McDowell found sufficient evidence to have his case bound over to the grand jury.
“We presented our evidence, and I guess it was very similar to the evidence presented on (mother Hailey Rose Renfroe’s) case,” said district attorney Joey Rushing. “Everything went as well as it could.”
Gargis’ case will come before an upcoming grand jury session, following further investigation and complete autopsy.
Rushing said family members from both sides were present at Gargis’ hearing, which lasted about an hour.
March 22 at 3 a.m., 9-1-1 received a call that the child wasn’t breathing. Responders “noticed there was some visible trauma to the child,” according to Sheriff Shannon Oliver. Renfroe was charged with aggravated child abuse, while boyfriend Gargis was charged with capital murder.
Gargis remains in the Franklin County Jail, as he was denied bond.