Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that Lawrence resident Tria L. Evans, 38 and Leavenworth resident Christina L. Towell, 37, each had a first appearance this afternoon in the Pro Tem Division of Douglas County District Court.  Both Evans and Towell are charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, arson and aggravated burglary associated with the death of Joel Wales in November 2017.   

Bond for both Evans and Towell remains at $1,000,000 cash/surety and the Court set the cases for a no go preliminary hearing on February 6 in Division Three. 

Attached with this release are copies of the information documents filed in Evans’ and Towell’s cases.  All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Charges are merely allegations of criminal conduct. 

No further information will be released at this time.  

*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor   

-30-