Waters
hearing set
The man accused of killing three members of his family in the Grassy Creek area of Polk County was denied bond Wednesday in his initial court appearance in Polk County Sessions Court.
George Steven Waters faces a preliminary hearing in November. He continues to be held in the Polk County Jail.
Waters, 33, was charged Friday with three counts of first-degree murder after reportedly shooting Willard Waters, 61, Wanda Waters, 59, and Marion Doug Waters, 40, all of Copperhill.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigators were aided by TBI officials Friday afternoon after reports of the shooting.
Investigators learned the three were shot during an altercation over land.
“This happened on a gravel road that has five houses on it that are all occupied by family members. There have been issues involving a property line dispute within the family. A driveway was being graded by a tractor [operator] when the altercation took place. The scene is outside and we are gathering evidence,” said Kristen Helm, information officer for TBI.
Willard Waters was married to Wanda Waters and Marion Doug Waters was their son. George Waters is a nephew to Willard and Wanda Waters and a cousin to Marion Doug Waters.
Investigators noted mother and son were dead at the scene and Willard Waters died later.
The Polk County Clerk’s Office confirmed Judge Billy Baliles recused himself from the case and appointed attorney Ashley Owenby to oversee George Waters’ initial court appearance.
Cleveland attorney Scott Kanavos is representing George Waters. Drew Robinson is prosecuting the case for the 10th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.
A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 14.
