JamesJaySmith

James Jay Smith, (center) is flanked by his wife Brenda and defense lawyer Rich Cassady during a courtroom break in Robbinsville on March 3. Smith was acquitted of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury the following day. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

James Jay Smith, (center) is flanked by his wife Brenda and defense lawyer Rich Cassady during a courtroom break in Robbinsville on March 3. Smith was acquitted of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury the following day. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Jury acquits Smith

Robbinsville – There are serious differences between James Smith’s and Joe Shaffer’s accounts of the July 27, 2016 shootout outside Smith’s Fontana Heights house. But in the end, it came down to one thing: Joe Shaffer shot first.

Smith trial postponed again

Robbinsville – A trial set to start in Graham County Superior Court on Monday was pushed back yet again, after the defendant’s counsel expressed concerns over the timeframe for trying the case.

Bond denied for Smith

Robbinsville – Superior Court Judge Tommy Davis denied the bond reduction request of James Jay Smith on Monday. Smith, 79, is being charged for two counts of attempted first-degree murder.