MORGAN HILL
– An ongoing investigation has kept the lips of San Jose Police
sealed in the arrest of Morgan Hill suspect Jim Carter Bynum,
accused of murdering 24-year-old single mother Mary Fontaine James
of San Jose in early April.
MORGAN HILL – An ongoing investigation has kept the lips of San Jose Police sealed in the arrest of Morgan Hill suspect Jim Carter Bynum, accused of murdering 24-year-old single mother Mary Fontaine James of San Jose in early April.
Police did announce the arrest of Vincent Jabbar Bell, 31, of San Jose, on Friday. Bell was charged as an accessory.
James was found dead in her Park Avenue apartment by her mother, who became concerned because she had not heard from James in several days. James was shot in the head at close range.
Her 6-year-old daughter is being cared for by relatives.
Investigators would not comment on how either of the two suspects might have know James. No motive has been disclosed.
Deputy District Attorney Cameron Bowman said Monday that Bynum, 34, of Morgan Hill who is still in custody in county jail with no bail, was arraigned on Friday afternoon, and a public defender was appointed to represent him.
Bynum is not eligible for the death penalty at this time because the charge of murder did not carry special circumstances.
“In order for a defendant to be eligible for the death penalty, he or she must have committed the crime in certain specified ways,” Bowman said Monday.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest this is a special circumstances case.”
Bowman said the special weapons enhancement on the murder charge refers to the use of the weapon and could possibly increase Bynum’s sentence if he is convicted.
Bell was arraigned Monday afternoon.
Bynum has a court date on Friday, and Bowman said he hopes to be able to have hearings for both men on that day. It is possible that they will enter pleas during the hearing.
Bowman said he would not be surprised if either of the accused requests bail; he will oppose the request, and said he believes he has a “high probability” of success.
“I don’t think either one of these men are good candidates to be released into the community,” Bowman said.
“They both have extensive histories regarding narcotics, a lengthy history including sales, use and possession.”
To the speculation that drugs may have been in some way a part of the murder, Bowman said, “The best way for me to answer is that drugs may have played a role.”
The investigation is still ongoing, Bowman said, which is why the probable cause statement is under seal.
Allegedly Bynum and Bell were not the only visitor to James’ residence the night of the murder.
