Trials set in McGowan homicide

By The Daily Progress Staff

Published: August 18, 2008

Two cousins charged with capital murder in connection with the in-home slaying of a young woman late last year are scheduled for jury trials in Charlottesville Circuit Court in 2009.

William Douglas Gentry, 22, is scheduled for a six-day trial starting Feb. 23. Michael Pritchett, 19, has a trial scheduled for June 8. Gentry’s trial date, which was rescheduled Monday morning in circuit court, was originally scheduled for next week.

Both men have been charged in connection with the death of 26-year-old Jayne Warren McGowan. Her body was found in her St. Clair Avenue home Nov. 9 by co-workers after she didn’t show up for work. The cousins were arrested four days later.

According to court documents, the two men had decided to commit a robbery and went to McGowan’s home when she was alone. Gentry is accused of shooting McGowan when she answered the door, according to a search warrant affidavit, and Pritchett shot her before they left with her computer and modem.

Both men could face the death penalty if they are convicted. Gentry and Pritchett remain held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.