Jury chosen in Quinlan-area murder case
By BRAD KELLAR
Herald-Banner Staff
GREENVILLE — Opening arguments are scheduled today in a murder trial for a suspect charged in connection with a shooting death near Quinlan last summer.
A jury was selected Monday for the trial of Cory Joe Locke, who is also facing charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and burglary. The start of testimony is also expected this morning in the 354th District Court.
Locke is the first of three suspects indicted for murder involving the death of Michael Patrick Bates to face trial.
Locke has also been indicted by the Hunt County grand jury on the aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges, involving incidents which authorities claim occurred the same day as the murder. A conviction on any of the indictments and Locke could be facing a maximum punishment of up to life in prison.
Locke has also been indicted in connection with the alleged burglary of Bates’ residence.
He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Bates, 43, died as the result of a gunshot wound to the chest. His body was found early on the morning of June 2, 2005 in a residence at 1959 Apache.
Locke and two other defendants were also alleged to have abducted a male victim the same day as Bates’ death and Locke is also accused of being one of three individuals to have removed a pool table, a television, a water cooler and a satellite television receiver from Bates’ residence the night of the murder.
The prosecution has subpoenaed at least 16 witnesses to testify during the trial.
