Victim's family disturbed by murder suspect's behavior in court

By STEPHANIE BEECKEN
6 News Reporter

NEWPORT (WATE) - A trial date is scheduled for Jeffery Lee Stock, the man charged with killing Newport teen Megan Maxwell. Her family wants the case to move forward, but Stock's behavior in court leaves them disturbed.

Stock was charged in November 2011 with first degree murder, rape, theft and arson. As you may recall, 19 year old Megan Maxwell went missing in April of 2009. Her remains were found in November 2010.

Stock's attorney is public defender Keith Haas.

In court Friday, Assistant District Attorney Brownlow Marsh said Haas should not be representing Stock because he wasn't appointed by the court. However, the judge ruled that Haas could continue to represent Stock.

During the courtroom discussions, Stock would look away from the judge and make eye contact with the victim's friends and family.

"You just get such a rage in you, but you have to just sit there," said Mike Brady, a family friend.

Stock even made eye contact with Megan Maxwell's friends and family and appeared to smirk.

"Letting Jeff just turn around and stare at us. We have no rights. We aren't allowed to speak what we feel. We have to bottle it up inside, and we get one last remark to him if he gets put away. That's not enough for what we've had to live with," said Megan's friend, Hollie Lane.

At one point, Stock turned away from the judge and mouthed something. Megan's mother, Lisa Maxwell, said she understood him plain and clear. She says he mouthed, "When I get out."

Stock's attorney says he instructed Stock right before the hearing to be respectful to the Maxwell family.

"If he did those things, then I apologize to the Maxwell family. They shouldn't have been done," Haas said.

Maxwell's family continues to hope justice will be served.

Haas has made a motion to dismiss the indictment before the preliminary hearing. This motion will be heard March 7. The trial is set for May 9.