Witnesses take stand in Carter Co. trial for brothers accused of killing father
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CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The prosecution continued calling witnesses Tuesday in the trial of Jacob and Joshua Hitchcock.

The men are charged with first-degree murder in the death of their father, Bill Hitchcock, in 2023. Both previously pleaded not guilty.

Fishermen on the Watauga River found Bill Hitchcock on his Elizabethton property, which is located along the river.

Dr. Andrea Orvik took the stand Tuesday to discuss his autopsy.

An autopsy revealed that Bill Hitchcock was shot three times: once in the head and twice in the chest. Orvik reviewed the report and described each injury to the jury, noting that one wound alone could have been fatal.

“Was this a lethal possible wound?” the prosecution team asked her.

“Yes, it certainly could have proved fatal,” stated Orvik. “The bullet went through his cerebellum and into his brain, right next to the brainstem, which is crucial because it regulates heartbeat and breathing. So, it’s a critical area. I believe this particular injury would have undoubtedly been lethal by itself.”

Later, the prosecution called Derrick Hamm to the stand. Hamm worked for the Carter County Sheriff’s Office at the time of Bill Hitchcock’s death.

He went through surveillance camera footage from businesses around Bill Hitchcock’s residence.

The footage showed Bill Hitchcock’s Jeep leaving and going to Tulip’s Bar and Grille on the night of his death.

“Were you familiar with the appearance of the Jeep of Bill Hitchcock’s?” the prosecution asked Hamm.

“Not until I responded to the scene,” said Hamm.

“Then once you respond to the scene, you knew what it looked like?”

“Yes.”

“And was it depicted at some point, March 31 on this Rustic River footage?”

“It was.”

The footage also showed a motorcycle coming to and leaving Bill Hitchcock’s residence and following the same path as his Jeep on the same night.

Hamm stated, “We found several videos capturing a similar motorcycle. As it goes by, the camera indicates it traveled much faster in comparison, moving significantly in the opposite direction.”

Later, Lindsey Anderson with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called to testify. Anderson said the TBI did analyze Joshua Hitchcock’s motorcycle helmet and gloves and found gunshot residue.

Officials say the motorcycle seemed to be very similar to one owned by Joshua Hitchcock.

However, it was not confirmed whether it was Joshua in the video or not.

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