The trio charged with the 1972 murder of a Camp Lejeune marine all say they're innocent. Former Belhaven Police Chief George Hayden, his ex wife Vickie Babbitt and Roger Gill are all charged with the murder of William Miller.
Nine on Your Side's Laura Vesco explains what brought these charges about and what happened during today's rule 24 hearing.
Decades ago, investigators say Vickie Babbitt and former Belhaven Police Chief George Hayden were caught in a twisted love affair. Now sharing the same courtroom during a rule 24 hearing, Babbitt and Hayden plead not guilty to the first degree murder of Babbit’s 1972 husband William Miller.
Babbitt who looked very different from her initial arrest is surrounded by supporters. Her sister-in-law Jan Babbitt says, "We believe in her innocence totally. We have from the get go and actually I'm still looking for the evidence. I just hear a lot of talk and opinions and I still don't see the evidence any place."
But a cold case article in the Jacksonville Daily News inspired a witness to come forward to Onslow County Sheriffs Department. The witness shared information about the night Miller was ambushed on an isolated road in Onslow County.
This information led investigators to charge Babbitt, Hayden and former marine Roger Gill with miller's murder. Due to a supreme court ruling back in 1977 the trio won't face the death penalty.
Within minutes of pleading not guilty Hayden and Babbitt left the courtroom free on bond but with no bond, gill returned to jail.
By Monday the judge will decide on whether or not Roger Gill will receive a set bond. Gill's attorney is also requesting his client receives a smaller bond amount since he doesn't have much in assets.
*******UPDATE*********
The trio charged with the murder of a marine back in 1972 each entered a “not guilty” plea. Former Belhaven police Chief George Hayden, his ex wife Vickie Babbitt and Roger Gill are all charged with the murder of William Miller. Miller was Babbitt's husband back in 1972.
During a ruling 24 hearing the state announced the death penalty could not be sought in this case and all three suspects plead not guilty. Roger Gill’s attorney asked the judge to give his client a set bond since he is currently in jail with no bond. The judge will make a decision on Monday.
Hayden and Babbitt are both out on bond.
Investigators say Hayden, Babbitt and Miller were part of a twisted love triangle.
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