Timothy Ray Cain II was found guilty this morning for the 2021 murder of Jacqueline “Lynn” Landreth of Clarkton.
Cain was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole by Superior Court Judge Paul Holcombe. The jury was given instructions and sent back Monday, returning this morning (Tuesday) to spend just over an hour in deliberation.
Cain’s co-defendant, Jamal Green, is scheduled to be tried in March. Amanda Williamson of Cerro Gordo was charged as an accessory for allegedly allowing Green and Cain to hide evidence at her home, and helping the men evade law enforcement. She testified against Cain, District Attorney Jon David said, and will be tried at a later date.
Landreth disappeared Feb. 8, 2021, after leaving her Rosindale Road home in the Clarkton area. Her sister reported her missing.
Law enforcement and volunteers from Bladen and Columbus searched for days before the woman’s body was found Feb. 24, 2021. Investigators said information developed during the search led to her body. She had been shot in the head, and her throat slashed twice, David said.
Cain and Green were arrested Feb. 24, 2021.
Paul Rockenbach, then a detective with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, led the homicide investigation.
Shirley Smircic prosecuted the case for the state. Cain was defended by J.B. Lee.
Cain and three co-defendents are awaiting trial for the 2022 assault of Joshua Johnson Ibn the county detention center. That case is the subject of a civil case against the county. Johnson survived the attack, but spent months in the hospital and sustained lifelong injuries.
Michael Lance, Darius Washington, Kwanaine Bellamy, and Cain were charged with attempted murder in that case, which was caught on security cameras.
