New developments in the Liner Murder Case

BRADELY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)– After spending two weeks in jail without bond, Mr. Liner appeared in court once again, expecting a ruling on his bond request.

We have been closely following the murder case of Charlton Craig Liner for several weeks now.

Charlton Craig Liner faces a potential life sentence for the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Karen Liner.

However, this latest hearing brought a series of unexpected developments including a change in legal representation for Mr. Liner.

Mr. Liner is now being represented by defense attorney Matthew Rogers.

Rogers argued that his client should be granted a bond, emphasizing that the state had yet to establish a compelling reason to keep him detained.

Rogers highlighted that bail is possible in homicide and first-degree homicide cases, questioning whether it was fair for his client to remain in custody without a bond determination.

“Would it be fair, from our perspective, to determine the value of bond while waiting on a hearing approved by the state? It is available—you can be granted bail in homicide and first-degree homicide cases.”

He claimed that the defense was prepared to move forward with the hearing and urged the court to consider a bond.

In a surprising turn, Rogers also called for Judge Clay Collins to recuse himself from the case.

He argued that Collins had personal connections both in real life and on social media that could present a conflict of interest.

“Due to social media posts and real-life club connections, I believe your honor is in a position where recusal is necessary.”

Rogers elaborated that these connections could create an appearance of bias, making it difficult for his client to receive a fair trial.

After reviewing the presented evidence, Judge Collins denied the request for recusal.

He stated that there was no sufficient justification to step down from the case.

“I am fully capable of serving as a judge,” Collins explained. “The burden for recusal has not been met today. The people rely on me for this position, and I will continue serving them.”

Following further discussion, Judge Collins once again denied Mr. Liner’s request for bail, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to justify his release.

District Attorney Ashley Zepeda emphasized that the state had not caused any delays in the preliminary hearing.

She argued that the defense had requested a continuance to file the motion for recusal, which had delayed the proceeds even more.

“Again, the defense has requested a continuance to file this motion to recuse. The state has not delayed this preliminary hearing in any way, Zepeda stated. “We have always been ready to proceed.”

The defense also questioned whether the state had decided if this case would be prosecuted as a capital offense

However, Zepeda clarified that the law does not require a decision on that matter at this stage of the proceedings.

A new joint bond and preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

News 12 will be there.