Accused Double Murderer Denied Bond

An accused double murderer went before a judge Monday afternoon in Laurens County marking his first appearance since he allegedly shot his wife and step-son.

Gentry O’Neil Chapman went before Laurens County magistrate Paul Lyles in an arraignment hearing Monday afternoon. Chapman was charged with two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime after he allegedly shot and killed his wife, Amanda Chapman, and his step-son Ashton Arnold early Sunday morning.

Family members of the victims were in attendance at the hearing as tears flowed during the proceeding.

Chapman’s next scheduled appearance is scheduled for January 15, 2010 in General Sessions court. He will need to get an attorney and request a preliminary hearing before bond could possibly be considered since a Magistrate cannot set bond due to the nature of the charge.