VA. MAN WILL STAND TRIAL FOR MURDER IN N.C.

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, January 8, 1993                   TAG: 9301080183
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY   
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MANTEO, N.C.                                LENGTH: Short
VA. MAN WILL STAND TRIAL FOR MURDER IN N.C.
There is enough evidence to try a Virginia man charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend, whose headless body washed ashore at Nags Head, a judge ruled Thursday.
Attorneys for Michael G. Dial, 36, of Norfolk, Va., argued the state of North Carolina didn't have jurisdiction over the case because it couldn't prove where the woman was slain.
The body of Brenda G. Dozier, 22, washed ashore July 4, 1991. The head and hands had been cut off; Dozier was identified by a rose tattoo on her torso.
"The only evidence the state presented was an indictment [against Dial] and the fact that the body was found in North Carolina," said defense lawyer James O. Broccoletti of Virginia Beach.
Assistant District Attorney Donna Forbes argued that was all the state had to show to bring the case to trial. A written response said Dial's brother told police he left Dial with Dozier in North Carolina on the date her body was found.
"The factual issue is for the jury," she said.
Superior Court Judge Thomas Watts agreed.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB