| By Bob Weaver
 Calhoun magistrate Teresa Robinson ruled yesterday that enough
evidence was presented in a hearing against nineteen-year-old
Christopher Dallas Cox (pictured left) to move forward with a first
degree murder charge.
"There is probable cause to turn the case over to the Circuit Court,"
said Robinson, after Prosecutor Matt Minney said there were several
"elements of intent to kill with malice."
Cox sat silently in the courtroom listening to State Policeman Sgt.
Darrin Campbell present evidence that indicated Cox murdered
Calhoun resident Russell Metz on August 4.
Cox was represented by public defender Shannon Baldwin.
Campbell testified that Cox drove to Spencer and told his mother
Christine Cox that he had killed a man, after which she notified the
Spencer Police Department.
State Police said the body of forty-nine-year-old Metz was
discovered in a four-story "hunting camp" a short distance off U. S.
33-119 near the Calhoun-Roane line.
Officer Campbell, after reading Cox his rights, said Cox was upset and
crying, and told officers he stabbed the man and then shot him in the
head to make sure he was dead. "He was talking about the crime on
his own," said Campbell.
Police said they spotted Metz's body from a porch, saying it was
covered up and exhibited rigor mortis.
Campbell said he and his officers secured the crime scene and notified
Calhoun Coroner Neil Stump and the State Police Crime Lab, both
responding in short order.
Campbell said his initial examination indicated Metz had been stabbed
in the neck, ribs and back. Officers discovered a broken knife on the
floor.
"There was also a gunshot wound at the top of his head," said
Campbell, indicating Cox had cleaned up the blood on the floor or himself with
cleaning supplies.
"He started to leave the scene and stuck the .22 rifle to his head" and
shot, after which the body was covered with two bedspreads.
Campbell said there was no evidence of a struggle, but Cox was taken
to Roane General Hospital by his family prior to his arrest for
treatment of a wound to his upper arm which required sutures.
Campbell said he read Cox his Miranda Rights more than once, with
Cox stating that Metz had accused him of stealing.
Metz was Christopher Cox's birth father's cousin. Cox is adopted and
had been living in Calhoun with relatives and friends while attending
Calhoun County High School. He graduated with the class of 2004.
Police recovered Metz's truck in possession of Cox.
Cox was returned to Central Regional Jail where he is being held
without bond. Cox's case could be presented to a Calhoun Grand Jury
in September.
The body of the victim, Russell Metz, has been crematated and sent to Ohio.
See earlier stories on Hur Herald.
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