Asheville Police arrested Derek Morris Colson a couple of years ago after police investigating crimes in Hickory got a tip that he was living here. Now he’s about to go on trial. From the Hickory Daily Record:
HICKORY – Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday for the trial of Derek Morris Colson.
Colson was arrested in March 2006 and charged with two murders and an attempted murder. The crimes happened in March and April 2004.
The victims were three women; all were sexually abused and severely beaten. One was found dead, one survived her attack and one was found alive, but later died. Each had a history of drug and prostitution arrests, according to police.
“I expect that it will be a lengthy trial,” said Robert Campbell, Colson’s attorney. “That’s about all I can say about it.”
In the police report, Colson, 42, was described as homeless. Police said Colson lived as a drifter, staying with friends and family across the state. Investigators think Colson was living in Hickory when the three assaults happened and left town shortly thereafter.
At the time of his arrest, he was living with his on-again off-again wife and 15-year-old daughter in Asheville and working as a laborer.