Attorney for Pelham triple slaying Jon Staggs, Jr. speaks out

The attorney for a triple murder suspect is speaking out about his client's case and trying to prevent it from being tried in the media.

Herbie Brewer represents Jon Staggs, Jr., who has been charged with four counts of capital murder in the shooting deaths of three young men at a home in the Pelham Chandalar neighborhood.

Brewer says cases like this one are sensationalized because of rumors. He stresses that only evidence can convict Staggs and at this point he hasn't seen any. He says he's currently collecting statements, photos and reports regarding the case.

It came out in a court hearing Tuesday that clothing, trace and physical evidence were collected at the crime scene.

Shelby County DA Robby Owens has filed a motion to collect DNA samples from Staggs. Brewer questions that motion.

"That's typically done when there's an identity issue. I've not seen the motion so I don't know the basis," Brewer said.

The filing says Staggs' DNA is needed to prove or disprove his participation in the crime. Brewer says the prosecution will also need to prove that there was no justification for the alleged killings.

Brewer goes on to say that while it's tragic that three men were killed, his client has his side of the story, and one that hasn't been heard yet.

"Is there evidence which law enforcement has judged there to be probable cause..certainly or he wouldn't be charged. However that's not a confession. They got to prove not that Jon shot those young men but there was no justification for it. We're a long way away from that," Brewer said.

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