North Carolina man found guilty of 1984 Columbia rape, assault asks for new trial
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A North Carolina man who was found guilty earlier this month of a rape and stabbing that occurred more than 40 years ago is asking for a new trial.
James Wilson, 61, of Mooresville, North Carolina, was found guilty on Feb. 6 of forcible rape and first-degree assault. His sentencing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at the Boone County Courthouse. He is being held at the Boone County Jail.
Wilson was arrested in 2022 for a March 1984 rape and assault of a 17-year-old girl in northeast Columbia. The cold case was reopened by the Columbia Police Department in 2020. The 1984 sexual assault kit conducted at University Hospital was sent for Sorenson Forensics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The DNA profile created from the suspect's DNA ultimately led detectives to Wilson.
The victim and others testified in the case. Testimony from an interview Wilson had with police was also included, where he seemingly admitted to the assault and stabbing.
Wilson’s attorney on Tuesday filed a motion for a new trial. The motion alleges that court made errors during testimony and the presentation of evidence, alleging violations of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments.
The jury had recommended life sentences for both guilty counts.
