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Accused Polk Killer Makes First Court Appearance

722 views · Published 22 August 2012 · 2:14 · Indexed 20 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by Karen Zatkulak  The man charged with killing three of his family members appeared in Polk County court on Wednesday.  George Steven Waters walked into the courtroom cuffed and shackled with an officer holding his restraints the whole time.  He showed little emotion or expression and never spoke.  Waters was denied bond.  Judge Ashley Ownby sat in on the hearing. Judge Bill Baliles recused himself from the case.  Judge Ownby explained that it was because he had a conflict of interest.  He said Baliles' former employee was related to Waters.Before the hearing began, officers emptied the courtroom, making everyone walk through metal detectors before going back inside.  Waters' attorney is Scott Kanavos.  He tells us Waters' wife and sister were both in court.  One cried as Waters was brought out for the hearing.  Kanavos asked the judge for a 00,000 bond for Waters.  He argued that Waters has a wife and child with no criminal history.  He said Waters is 33 years old and has worked for the Polk County Road Department for ten years.  He went on to say Waters is "dug in" to the Copperhill community and poses no flight risk.But, Assistant District Attorney Drew Robinson argued that Waters is a safety risk to the public.  He stated that the Sheriffs Office had responded several times to the area before about the ongoing property dispute between the family members.  He also said all three victims were shot in the head.  Those victims are Waters' aunt, Wanda, his uncle, Willard, and his cousin Doug.  Sheriff Bill Davis tells us the funeral for all three victims took place Wednesday as well.  He said officers found two weapons at the scene on Friday.  He also said that Waters' father, George, was also at the scene and was injured.  He added that is it a tragedy for such a small town and such a well-known family.  Newschannel 9 got a copy of all three indictments against Waters.  He is charged with three counts of first degree murder.  The paperwork says, "Doug Waters advised he needed law enforcement at 180 George Road and that George and Steven Waters had the road blocked and that one of them had pulled a gun on them".Then, "Dispatch received another call at 2:21 pm from Stephen Waters saying he had shot Willard, Wanda, and Doug".When officers arrived, they say Wanda and Doug were dead.   They rushed Willard to the hospital where he later died.  Waters' preliminary hearing is set for November 14.

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