Double Homicide Suspect

Has First Court Appearance

The suspect charged in the January 6 shooting deaths of a mother and daughter had his first appearance in Toombs County Superior Court last Friday. Joshua Sanders is charged with the murders of Pamela Harden and her daughter LaTorey Harden. The incident occurred in a Vidalia neighborhood following a domestic dispute.

Sanders fled from Toombs County to Arizona in Pamela Harden’s car before abandoning it in Alabama and traveling by bus to Arizona. He was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals at a bus stop in Flagstaff six days after the murders.

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Sanders waived extradition expediting court proceedings and precluding the process of Georgia and Arizona governors issuing warrants to have the suspect returned to Toombs County, which Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tripp Fitzner said previously might be a lengthy process.

During the hearing, Superior Court Judge Robert Reeves informed the suspect of his charges: two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during a felony, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sanders did not make an application for bond, and Fitzner said he would oppose a bond if requested by Sanders. Fitzner also said he plans to present the case to the Toombs County Grand Jury for indictment as soon as possible.

Judge Reeves informed the defendant that he has the right to a grand jury hearing and jury trial if he wishes to plead not guilty, and a sentencing by the judge if he pleads guilty. Sanders has not yet given an indication as to how he will plead.

Once Sanders declares his plea, the appropriate judicial process will occur.

Currently, the suspect is represented by appointed Public Defender Brandee Paine but has the right to an attorney of his choosing. Sanders has not yet provided any indication as to his decision regarding representation. Fitzner noted, “We will get this case indicted as quickly as we can so justice may be administered,” he reassured. “Thank you to Vidalia Police Department for their work responding to the incident and to Toombs County Sheriff’s Department for working on Sanders’ return from Arizona to Toombs County.”

Fitzner stated it is too early to determine the result or sentencing that may occur in the case, but emphasized that justice will be served.