Both charged 4 days earlier in connection with alleged rape
By News Sentinel staff
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Authorities in Cumberland County have launched an investigation into the death of a couple whose bodies were found in their home late Thursday night - just four days after criminal charges were filed against them in connection with the rape of a 15-year-old girl.
The bodies of James Phillip Jones, 46, and Linda Mae Jones, 35, were discovered in bed at their home on Highway 70 in the Westal community by Linda Jones' father, Ed Hill, Hill told WVLT-TV in an interview.
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office officials could not be reached for comment Friday night. The case has not been labeled a homicide. It was not immediately known if authorities were investigating the case as a murder-suicide.
According to Rockwood Police Department reports and warrants filed in Roane County General Sessions Court, the Joneses are alleged to have had sex with the 15-year-old girl in their home.
The incident is alleged to have occurred in December of last year.
According to the documents, James Phillip Jones gave investigators a "voluntary written statement (of) his involvement."
He was charged with statutory rape.
Linda Mae Jones admitted "involvement and participation while her husband had (a) sexual encounter" with the girl, the documents stated.
A charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor was filed against her, according to the police records and court documents.
A state Department of Human Services investigator also participated in the investigation.
The charges against the couple were filed on Sunday, the same day the couple were interviewed by police investigators.
The couple were released on bond, pending their first court appearance scheduled for Aug. 16.
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