Suspect in deadly Gaston Co. hostage situation appears in court
Pace appeared before a judge Thursday, but that hearing was abruptly ended after the judge determined Pace was incoherent.
GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - The man accused of holding four people hostage and killing one of them was just denied bond in a Gaston County courtroom Friday morning.
David Pace is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault by pointing a weapon.
Pace first appeared before a judge on these charges Thursday, but that hearing was abruptly ended after the judge determined Pace was incoherent and not alert.
[Related: Judge stops hearing in Gaston Co. homicide case after bizarre reaction from suspect]
During Friday’s hearing, the judge asked Pace’s attorney if he had any hesitation about Pace’s competency to participate in the hearing. The defense attorney said he did not.
The district attorney’s office revealed significant details in court Friday, including that Pace allegedly said, “no one was going to leave” the home. The attorney also alleged that “significant drug use was evident throughout that evening.”
[Related: Violence a family has been dealing with for years ends in Gaston Co. shooting]
According to prosecutors, officers knocked on the door of a home on Chrisco Lane around 3 a.m. Wednesday after neighbors reported a disturbance. Four people -- Pace, Erica Welch, and two other victims -- told police everything was OK and the officers left.
Gaston County Police received a second call shortly thereafter asking for police to go back. When they arrived, they heard several gunshots.
According to court information, one bullet hit the ceiling, one hit and killed Erica Welch, and two others were fired in the direction of officers who were taking cover.
Officers made their way inside the mobile home and took Pace into custody. He spent nearly 24 hours in the hospital before his first court appearance Thursday.
The District Attorney’s office said it is considering filing new charges related to Pace firing at officers and that this may become a capital case.
His probable cause hearing is March 28.
The judge granted the state’s request of no bond.
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