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Oden released following bond hearing in manslaughter case

Connie J. Oden was granted a release from incarceration March 31 by Judge Tim R. Coleman. Oden is charged with manslaughter in the death of a man for allegedly helping inject methamphetamine into his body. Hancock County Jailer Roger Estes stands watch in court.

A Hawesville woman charged with second-degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence for her alleged role in the death of Wayne “Scotty” James in September 2021 has been released on her own recognizance.

Connie J. Oden had been jailed since January 4 in Breckinridge County following her Dec. 22, 2021, indictment. Oden is alleged to have assisted James in injecting methamphetamine into his body sometime on or before Sept. 23-24, 2021.

Oden appeared in Hancock Circuit Court before Judge Tim R. Coleman on March 31 for a bond hearing. She had been held on a $50,000 cash bond at Breckinridge County Detention Center.

In a statement to Judge Coleman, Oden said since being incarcerated she has had difficulties receiving the medical care she needs for several conditions. She told the judge she has degenerative disc condition, pancreatitis, hepatitis and gall bladder issues.

As well, she stated her home in Hawesville had been burglarized twice since her arrest, her bank card was stolen, and that two months worth of disability and Social Security payments had been lost.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Blake Ross Chambers told Coleman that he had met with the victim’s family, and that they had “grave concerns” about the case.

“We believe the bond should be commensurate with the offense,” Chambers said. Chambers said the Commonwealth had made a plea offer to Oden in the case, but he has not yet heard a decision on the offer.

Oden told the court she has resided alone for several years, and that her adult children reside outside of Kentucky, including a son serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Coleman ordered Oden to be released with conditions, citing a lack of a previous criminal history. Oden is subject to a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., as well as waiving her rights to search and seizure during her release. Oden was also ordered to have no contact with the James’ family.

According to obituary information published in the Hancock Clarion Sept. 30, James was 56 years old and was originally from Tell City. He is survived by a daughter and three grandchildren, as well as two sisters and several nieces and nephews.

The investigation leading to Oden’s indictment was conducted by Deputy B.J. Burton of Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. She was arrested by Burton at a residence located at 235 Wood Street in Hawesville.

By C. Josh Givens

2 Comments

  1. Marilyn Owens on April 7, 2022 at 5:49 am

    Why am I not surprised. Plea offer by commonwealth. Geeze law officials did their job. Sadly judicial system considers she has degenerative disc condition, pancreatitis, hepatitis and gall bladder issues.. Whoopee!! My thoughts is with the dead man who did not live. Geeze how many her age has health issues??? We won’t even mention the decline in health due to drug use possibly. Commonwealth and judge considered what she says happened???
    Says her home in Hawesville had been burglarized twice since her arrest, her bank card was stolen, and that two months worth of disability and Social Security payments had been lost. Who cares!!!! What about the dead man!!! His family??? A plea???? Seriously???? Consideration given for her health issues and questionable loss of material possessions. Y’all need to consider Kentucky term limits. Complacency

    • Stephanie Isom Scotty's sister on July 31, 2022 at 3:09 am

      Thank you marylin I’m having a terrible time with this whole case your right who cares about her there not telling everybody the whole store either like the robbed him and left him dead for 14 hours before anybody. Reported it. That’s un human I’m so sick over this and I don’t think your suppose to be getting ssa benefits while I jail anyway so sound like a lil froud too

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