WHITEVILLE — Jury selection is scheduled to begin next week in the first‑degree murder trial of BRANDON WAYNE MINCEY, 44, who is accused of killing Alissa Lee in a brutal 2023 slaying in the Tabor City area.
Mincey was indicted by a Columbus County grand jury on a charge of first‑degree murder, a Class A felony that carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted. The case has been pending for more than two years as investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys prepared for trial.
The 2023 killing
Lee was found dead in the Tabor City area in 2023 under what investigators described as violent circumstances. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office launched a homicide investigation that led to Mincey’s arrest and eventual indictment. Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the manner of death, citing the ongoing prosecution.
Trial preparations underway
Superior Court officials confirmed that jury selection will begin next week at the Columbus County Courthouse in Whiteville. The process is expected to take several days due to the seriousness of the charge and the number of potential jurors who must be screened.
Prosecutors with the District Attorney’s Office are expected to present evidence including witness testimony, forensic findings, and investigative reports from the Sheriff’s Office.
What happens next
Once a jury is seated, opening statements will begin, followed by the state’s case‑in‑chief. The defense will then have the opportunity to present its own witnesses and evidence.
The trial is expected to draw significant public interest due to the violent nature of the crime and the length of time the case has been pending.
BC News will continue to follow the proceedings and provide updates as the trial moves forward.
All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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