Burglar admits to watching investigation from next door

A man who attempted a home invasion told investigators he hid inside a bathroom next door with his partners in crime until lawmen left before fleeing the scene of the botched crime.

The defendant, Jody Leon King, was bound to the grand jury Tuesday by General Sessions Judge Larry Ross on charges of attempted robbery and aggravated burglary.

The incident in question happened at an apartment complex off Green Hill Road near Dibrell when lawmen say King and others laid in wait hoping to rob several Hispanic residents there.

‘He admitted they’d been watching the house with intent to rob them,’ testified sheriff’s investigator Bo Ramsey.

Ramsey said King had taken a gun in an earlier burglary committed at a separate location. Using that gun, King and others tried to force their way into the victims’ residence. However, the would-be robbers were unable to kick down the door, prompting them to fire a shot and then run away.

‘They hid out in the bathroom of a girl they knew who lived next door,’ Ramsey said.

King was taken into custody for questioning days later in connection with another attempted burglary which occurred in the northern portion of the county. A man fitting his description was seen leaving the scene of the attempted break-in, with Ramsey, in turn, catching King in the area. It was during a search of his person that Ramsey said a stolen 45-caliber handgun was found.

His partners in crime are yet to be arrested. King has denied stealing the gun, instead saying he bought it from the person who stole it.