TIFTON — A Tifton couple whose adopted son was shot to death over a year ago in Irwin County can’t understand why the man charged with his murder is free on bond while his trial has been delayed several times.

District Attorney Paul Bowden said Thursday the murder trial of James Hall, 52 years old at the time of his arrest, is scheduled for Dec. 8 in Irwin County Superior Court.

“It is only for the fact of our faith and holding on to each other that we have been able to get along through this,” said Rose Bloodworth.

Rose and Henry Bloodworth adopted their daughter’s son Adam when he was 13-months-old.

“Our daughter had heart problems and she wanted us to adopt him and for him to remember her as his sister,” said Rose Bloodworth. “He is a true son.”

Adam Bloodworth’s mother died when he was young.

A 24-year-old Adam Bloodworth was shot and killed March 3, 2002, at the Halls’ Pleasure Lake residence on Hackberry Lane. Hall was arrested the same day and charged with malice murder.

According to reports, Bloodworth was helping Hall’s wife move some of her property out of the home. An altercation between Hall and his wife began and Bloodworth was shot.

Jack Tucker, one of Adam’s friends, and his parents, Grace and Jimmy Tucker, felt compelled to write a letter to The Tifton Gazette.

“This would not be so bad if James Hall was not out on bond,” the Tuckers wrote. “Take the pressure off the innocent and give Mr. and Mrs. Bloodworth some peace of mind and closure.”

Portions of the content of the Tuckers’ letter could not be confirmed Thursday, and the Tuckers couldn’t be reached for comment.

Bowden confirmed Thursday that Hall is free on bail. He said Hall’s trial has been set and postponed two or three times.

“It was originally set for January or February and then Hall’s attorney died,” Bowden said.

Attorney C. Vinson Walters II of Ocilla died May 18. His father, Ocilla attorney Emory Walters, is currently serving as Hall’s attorney. Bowden said Superior Court Judge J. Harvey Davis will serve at the trial.

Rose Bloodworth said her son’s friends continue to help her husband with yard work and various chores he has difficulty completing.

“Adam had so many friends,” she said. “When Adam died, it was like someone pulled my heart out. Postponements make us feel like we are being pulled through a key hole backwards.”



To contact reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321, ext. 208.