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AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The jury trial for two suspects in the 2017 murder of 16-year-old Janell Carwell was set to start Monday, March 25, at 9 a.m., but the trial is on hold as the Augusta District Attorney’s Office appeals a recent decision to exclude certain evidence in the trial.
Carwell’s stepfather, 45-year-old Leon Lamar Tripp, and her mother, 42-year-old Tanya Faye Tripp, are accused of murdering her following a successful indictment in November 2023.
A judge’s order last week to exclude statements made by defendant Leon Tripp was quickly followed by an appeal from the Augusta District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit.
According to D.A. Jared Williams, “The DA’s Special Victims Unit is fighting for justice for Janell. Last week, the trial court ruled that statements made by Defendant Leon Tripp should be excluded from evidence. The following day, we filed an appeal of that decision to the Supreme Court of Georgia. Trial will not commence until the Supreme Court issues a ruling. Our highest priority is presenting the strongest case possible and ensuring justice for our community.”
Carwell first disappeared Easter 2016; her remains were found almost two years later in March 2018.
Also scheduled Monday was a bond hearing for Leon and Tanya Tripp. Bond in both cases was denied.
Both Leon and Tanya Tripp remain in the custody of Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
