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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (BFMG) — A 28-year-old man accused of murder in the deaths of three family members in western North Carolina will remain in jail without bond, prosecutors said Friday.
During a court hearing May 15, prosecutors said Devan Loving faces the possibility of a capital murder trial in connection with the killings of Travis Eugene Grant, 41; Kimberly Michelle Grant, 42; and Sharon Harwood Grant, 66. Authorities confirmed Travis and Kimberly Grant were married and that Sharon Grant was Travis’ mother.
Loving and 16-year-old Star Grant are co-defendants in the case. Both are charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. The three victims were identified as Star Grant’s parents and grandmother.
At Friday’s hearing, Loving appeared behind a security barrier as prosecutors outlined the allegations.
“Your Honor, the co-defendant and Mr. Loving did shoot, then stab all three individuals,” Buncombe County Assistant District Attorney Amy Buchanan said. “They then took their wallets, as well as a firearm, and fled the state. They were found days later in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. And after they were found, they both did speak with law enforcement, and did admit to their involvement in the murders.”
The judge agreed with prosecutors that Loving should remain jailed without bond, citing the severity of the allegations, public safety concerns and the possibility he could flee.
Loving is scheduled to return to court June 4 for a probable cause hearing.
Family members have said Loving and Star Grant were involved in a romantic or sexual relationship that Kim and Travis Grant had recently learned about. Relatives also said Travis Grant had planned to seek a restraining order against Loving.
Kimberly Grant’s family described her as a good mother and said she was very close to Star Grant.
Prosecutors also said in court Friday that the suspects allegedly took a gun from the Fairview home, a detail that had not previously been disclosed publicly.
