Noah Bolden, the Canton man accused of killing uber driver Julia Holland, will not face the death penalty following the rule 24 hearing. The prosecutor found insufficient evidence for aggravating factors, preventing the case from being deemed “especially heinous or cruel. ” although holland was found with fatal injuries and signs of mutilation, the absence of torture evidence affected the classification of the crime. The hearing delays were attributed to pending autopsy reports, which were later provided. The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office was commended for their exhaustive investigation. While the state is prepared for trial, the defense is still analyzing new evidence and consulting experts. On new year’s eve, Holland was reported missing, and investigations led to Bolden’s residence, where her body was discovered. Bolden faces several charges, including first-degree murder and evidence destruction. His mother, Jeanie Bolden, has also been charged as an accessory to the murder.
Bolden’s next appearance in court is scheduled for the week of December 11th.
