Defense asks to see scene of fatal beating

Attorneys for a Columbia County mother and son accused of fatally beating the woman's neighbor in March presented several motions to a judge Tuesday, including a request to visit the crime scene.

Rebecca Bowers Sears, 41, of the 200 block of Hot Springs Drive, and Christopher Sean Bowers, of the 400 block of Briarwood Drive in Martinez, are accused of beating Laverne "Kay" Parsons, Ms. Sears' co-worker, on March 25. In May, both pleaded not guilty to murder, armed robbery and burglary charges. District Attorney Ashley Wright has said she plans to seek the death penalty.

Ms. Sears' attorney, Victor Hawk, asked to personally review the crime scene with his client. He said it is Ms. Sears' right to view the scene and that they have no intention of undermining the prosecution.

"We have the duty to investigate," Mr. Hawk said.

Ms. Wright said she opposes allowing Ms. Sears "to invade the home of the victim where her husband and three small children are still living."

Police have said Ms. Sears tried to throw off the investigation by having her son shoot her and claiming she was assaulted outside her Augusta workplace.

Superior Court Judge Sheryl Jolly asked Mr. Hawk to submit case law and his arguments for her review. She will allow Ms. Wright to respond before ruling.

Mr. Hawk also asked for any notes made by investigators during a more than two-hour gap in the recording of Ms. Sears' interrogation. He also requested that all evidence be preserved for independent testing.

"Our concern in this case is that there will be significant scientific testing," Mr. Hawk said.

Ms. Wright said she has no objection to preserving any evidence, but she refused to agree to turn over evidence to independent testing facilities without knowing the company's background, security and testing practices.

Reach Valerie Rowell at (706) 868-1222, ext. 110, or valerie.rowell@augustachronicle.com.