Jones, Johnson murder trials set for August

Bobby Joe Johnson and Bobby Ray Jones are led into the Franklin County Jail following thier arrest in 2009. They are charged in the death of Mitchell Robbins. | File Photo

A Colbert County man accused of killing a Tharptown resident pleaded not guilty to murder charges in Franklin County court Thursday.

Courthouse officials said Bobby Ray Jones, 50, of 604 Hook Street, Tuscumbia, asked his attorney Rebecca Thomason, of Russellville, to submit a plea of not guilty, denying his involvement in the August shooting death of 32-year old Mitchell Robbins.

Jones was indicted during the January session of the Franklin County grand jury along with Bobby Joe Johnson, 75, 5684 Franklin 87, Russellville.

Johnson entered a plea of not guilty as well during his arraignment back in February, officials said. 

Robbins was found shot to death outside his residence, which he shared with Johnson, on Aug. 22, 2009. Franklin County Sheriff’s investigators said ABI assisted in the investigation, which found that drugs and alcohol were involved in an altercation that occurred earlier that day. Investigators said Johnson provided Jones with a sawed-off shotgun, which was allegedly used to shoot Robbins in the mid-section resulting in his death.

Reports indicate Jones first told law enforcement that Robbins had committed suicide while he stood just a few feet away. Authorities waited until forensic evidence was tested before pressing charges. Johnson tried to convince authorities that he wasn’t even at the residence at the time the shooting occurred.

After individuals involved in the case made statements linking Johnson and Jones to the murder, the two men confessed, officials said.

Both are set to stand trial in August.