Clary Murder Trial Scheduled For Today

The State of North Carolina versus Jason Daniel Clary, Round II begins today in Taylorsville.

Clary, of Hiddenite was arrested in 2016 and charged with the shooting death of 35 year old Travis Harold. The shooting took place at Clary’s residence in Eastern Alexander County. Clary admits to the shooting but contends it was in self defense. Harold had arrived at Clary’s home armed with piece of pipe. A confrontation between the two men ensued in the driveway of Clary’s residence, a confrontation that was captured on video.

A mistrial was declared on September 12, 2018 when an Alexander County jury was deadlocked 8-4 in favor of Clary’s acquittal. Clary was released on the $1 million dollar bond he was under prior to the trial. On October 10th, 2018 Clary was returned to jail after testing positive for methamphetamine. A judge revoked his bond citing that random drug testing was part of Clary’s pre-trial release. On November 20th, Clary was allowed another bond hearing. The judge allowed bond but raised it to $1.5 million. On November 29th, Clary’s family posted another $500,000 and Clary has been free since.

Attorney Robert E. Campbell of Taylorsville, again is representing Clary. Campbell said in an interview in January that he anticipates the trial will last around three weeks. Campbell in the initial trial, never presented a single witness. When the State completed their case and the judge asked for Campbell to present the defense, he simply replied, “The defense rests, your honor.” The first trial lasted more than three weeks as the prosecution presented witness after witness and allowed the jury to view a video that was made of the fateful incident.

Clary faces a charge of first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.