KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — A Kannapolis man who could face the death penalty begged a judge to sentence him just 24 hours after his arrest for capital murder.
Eugene Mays faced a judge Tuesday afternoon in Cabarrus County court after police arrested him on first-degree murder charges Monday.
Police said a welfare check on Sunday brought them to the home Mays shared with his girlfriend, Christi Stewart, and her 10-year-old son, who has only been identified in court documents by his initials, "M.E.S."
Police said inside the home on Sandy Ridge Avenue they found the boy dead, and Stewart critically injured; she remained in the hospital at CMC-Northeast Tuesday evening.
At Mays' initial appearance, a judge asked him if he wanted a court-appointed attorney, or to hire his own. Mays responded by completely waiving his right to an attorney and choosing to represent himself.
The move shocked court officials and the judge asked Mays if he understood what was happening.
"Sir, I would advise you..this is a very serious charge," the judge said.
Mays responded by saying, "I understand...do you want to just do the sentencing now?"
The judge refused and assigned a standby council from the NC Office of the Capital Defender.
No friends or family were in the courtroom Tuesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Tuesday morning, grief counselors were on hand at Royal Oaks Elementary School, where the 10-year-old boy attended.
District officials sent out a statement expressing their sorrow, grief, and support for the family.
Mays will next face a judge on April 30 for a probable cause hearing.
WSOC
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