Trial set for duo charged in Baytops murder in Accomack County Circuit Court

Two individuals who were let out of jail three years ago after being charged with murder are scheduled to go to trial this morning in Accomack County Circuit Court.   Jahad Areil Triggs of New Church and Tavone Tyrell Cropper of Pocomoke City are expected to plead no contest in the February 4, 2016 murder of Robert Baytops of Horntown. Both are charged with first degree murder through the use of a firearm.

The pair were released from jail in April 2016 after then deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew Brenner made the decision not to go forward with the charges over the objections of Sheriff Todd Godwin.  Brenner then lost in the election to replace retiring Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Agar.   Current Commonwealth’s Attorney Spencer Morgan picked up the case leading to the re-arrest and trial of both Cropper and Triggs.  Both trials are listed on the Criminal Docket as uncontested.

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