http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9045489
http://www.timesnews.net/article/9051761/scott-woman-accused-of-murdering-husband-pleads-not-guilty
GATE CITY — A Southwest Virginia woman accused of shooting her husband
and leaving his dead body in their home for several weeks pleaded not
guilty during an appearance Monday in Scott County Circuit Court.
Melissa Justice Napier, 40, Possum Creek Road, Yuma, was arraigned by
30th Circuit Judge John Kilgore on charges of first-degree murder, use
of a firearm in the commission of a felony, concealment of a dead
body, and attempting to defile a dead body for her alleged role in the
death of her husband, Billy Ray Napier, 74.
After entering her pleas, Melissa Napier -- who is being represented
by attorneys Lisa McConnell of Gate City and Jeff Leuthke of Kingsport
-- had a jury trial date set for Jan. 14-18, 2013.
Her court appearance Monday followed her indictment on the four felony
charges earlier this month by a Scott County grand jury.
Melissa Napier's 14-year-old daughter, whose name has not been
released by authorities, has also been charged in connection with the
murder and will be tried as an adult.
She is being held at the Highlands Juvenile Detention Center in
Bristol, Va., while awaiting a Nov. 19 appearance in Scott County
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Melissa Napier has been held without bond at the Southwest Virginia
Regional Jail in Duffield since turning herself in to authorities the
day after Billy Napier's remains were discovered in April.
During an earlier appearance in Scott County General District Court,
prosecutors presented evidence alleging that Billy Napier was shot in
the head on March 20 in the bedroom of the couple's Possum Creek Road
home.
His remains were discovered by authorities nearly three weeks later.
Prosecutors also accused Melissa Napier of telling family members her
husband had been killed in an automobile accident that occurred in
Michigan.
Billy Napier's body was found by the Scott County Sheriff's Office and
Virginia State Police after a family member concerned about his
whereabouts filed a missing persons report.
While searching the home, authorities discovered Billy Napier's
decomposing remains lying in the couple's bed.
An autopsy determined he died from gunshot wounds to the back of the
head.
Authorities also found several holes dug in the back yard, as well as
hay bales and gasoline in the kitchen of the home, while conducting
their search of the couple's residence.