MONTGOMERY COUNTY, N.C. — James Dunmore pleaded guilty Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter and failure to notify death in connection with the 2023 killing of Allisha Watts.
Watts was first reported missing in July 2023 after she was last seen at Dunmore’s University City apartments.
Her remains were discovered one month later in a wooded area in Candor, a town located in Montgomery County. Dunmore, who was Watts’ former boyfriend, was the last person seen with her before her disappearance.
Dunmore was originally charged with first-degree murder following his arrest in August 2023.
Investigators linked Dunmore to the location where Watts’ body was found using cellphone data. Both of their phones pinged near the site in Montgomery County around the time of her disappearance. Authorities also discovered Dunmore unconscious in Watts’ vehicle after she was reported missing.
An autopsy report released in March 2024 listed the cause of death for the 39-year-old woman as undetermined.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Dunmore apologized and described the incident as a psychological emergency.
He said that he and Watts were hanging out when he attempted to jump out of her moving car. According to Dunmore, Watts stopped the vehicle and chased after him into the woods, which is where her remains were later found.
Dunmore claimed he did not remember anything that happened after she began chasing him.
Watts’ cousin, Tea Hines, doesn’t believe him.
“He didn’t tell us what we needed to hear,” Hines said. “We wanted to hear what you did to Allisha. Don’t apologize to us if you can’t tell us what you’re apologizing for. You were supposed to have been a better man in that courtroom when you finally got a chance to tell us something.”
Hines also criticized the court’s decision to accept the deal.
“The fact that we can’t even get justice is diabolical,” Hines said. “I’m hurt, I’m disappointed, especially at the judge; she knew she could have denied him the plea bargain.”
Allisha’s mentor, Dot Brower, attended every court appearance and organized multiple vigils for the victim throughout the investigation. Brower dismissed an apology Dunmore offered to the family during the hearing.
“The apology was empty, far too late,” Brower said. “I’m sad because he took her from us, and there was so much good left.”
During her victim impact statement, Brower described Watts as a professional and generous person. She characterized Dunmore as someone who took advantage of Watts and reflected on the difficulty of the loss. “Could I have done something, was there something we missed but I think a lot of us say that,” Brower said.
Regarding the sentence, Brower added, “It’s probably all we could get, not sure how much he will serve, but at the same time, he has to deal with what he did.”
Supporters emphasized that the court’s decision would not stop them from honoring Watts’ life. Anthony McCauley, a supporter of the family, spoke about the importance of her memory.
“I cannot forget her, and the legacy lives on,” McCauley said. Brower echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’ll talk about her and cherish her for the rest of our lives.”
The prosecution addressed the decision to reach a plea agreement rather than proceeding with the original murder charge.
A representative for the state said, “There’s a gulf between what we know and what we can prove. This is the best resolution for a small measure of justice for Allisha.”
Dunmore will receive credit for the time he has already served in custody while awaiting trial.
Dunmore was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 14 years.
Supporters of the family stated that the scholarship fund and domestic violence advocacy launched in Watts’ honor will continue.
VIDEO: Judge again denies request to modify bond for man accused of killing Allisha Watts
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