The preliminary hearing for a 55-year-old Marshall man who has been charged with murder and was released on bond for a second time in February, was held on Thursday, March 7, and his case has been bound over to Division 4 of Circuit Court.
James Scott Miller has been charged in connection with the shooting death of 31-year-old Joshua Charles Smith, of Marshall, on December 29.
Online court documents say Miller has been charged with a Class A Felony for Second-Degree Murder and an Unclassified Felony for Armed Criminal Action. He originally posted $500,000 cash-only bond on January 2; but was arrested for violation of his bond conditions on January 24. On February 20, Miller posted additional $250,000 cash or surety bond.
During the preliminary hearing, Miller’s lawyer filed a motion to dismiss the complaint and quash the arrest warrant. After hearing from witnesses and evidence presented, the court found probable cause that a felony was committed, and Miller committed the felony.
Miller’s next court proceeding is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 11, at Saline County Circuit Court.