Trial Dates Set for James Campbell

A status hearing in the case of James Campbell was held in Starke Circuit Court Thursday morning. Campbell, 52, is charged with murder and a felony count of resisting law enforcement. 

Campbell is accused of shooting 75-year-old Randall Bailey to death on Bailey’s Thanksgiving Day birthday on Nov. 28, 2019.  Campbell also reportedly led police on a pursuit for 30 minutes that traveled through much of the southern part of Starke County.  It ended at 400 West and 150 South when Campbell fled on foot, but was later apprehended with the assistance of a police K9. 

Campbell told Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall on Thursday that he was attempting to retain a private attorney, but has not been successful.  Timothy Lemon is Campbell’s appointed attorney, but Campbell stated he wanted someone else who may be more familiar with him and his family.  Judge Hall agreed to appoint Richard Ballard as co-counsel in the upcoming trial.  Campbell asked the judge if Ballard could be his only attorney, but that request was denied. 

Campbell’s trial was reset for the week of Oct. 26.  An alternate date was set for the week of Dec. 7 in case there happens to be changes with attorneys.