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Belmont County Attempted Murder Suspect Appears in Court

A Powhatan Point man accused of the attempted murder of his wife by drowning is still awaiting a trial date.

John Thomas Jr. appeared Thursday before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato. The judge ruled on several motions in the case and set another hearing for Feb. 27 to allow further time for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to analyze evidence. A trial date remains to be set.

Thomas is accused of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and two counts of kidnapping, all of which allegedly occurred July 13. He faces a maximum of 49 years behind bars.

The hearing included testimony by the alleged victim, Jacqueline Thomas. Defense lawyers allege Jacqueline Thomas actually wrote a brief note that was found in their residence and attributed to John Thomas. His attorneys claim the handwriting on the note appears similar to Jacqueline Thomas’ handwriting.

Jacqueline Thomas denied writing the note or altering it and said she had no doubt it was her husband’s writing.

The charges stem from what apparently began as a domestic dispute between the spouses that reportedly escalated to violence. John Thomas, 47, is accused of holding his wife’s head underwater in the bathtub of their home.

Thomas is incarcerated but has a residence in Powhatan Point. He previously posted bond and was released, but bond was revoked when authorities found he had violated a court order by entering Powhatan Point.

Fregiato overruled a motion requesting a psychological expert to determine whether Thomas is psychologically capable of committing murder by drowning. Defense lawyers argued that Thomas was left with post-traumatic stress disorder and a severe aversion to drowning after an accident on a commercial fishing boat where he was working.

Fregiato noted Thomas already has been deemed competent to stand trial.

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