Kingsland shooter faces grand jury

KINGSLAND (TEXAS) -  

The man who shot Casey Rowe at his neighbor's home on River Oaks Drive in Kingsland testified before a Llano County grand jury Wednesday afternoon. Tom Oakes, 64, claimed he was protecting himself and his neighbor's property the morning of July 30. Oakes fired at least five shots with his .45 pistol towards a car full of men he thought were stealing items from the home two doors down. 
One of the bullets struck 25-year-old Casey Rowe in the back of neck. Oakes was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Rowe died Sept. 29 while recovering in a Lubbock rehab facility.
"The grand jury will have the option to elevate the charge to murder," said Llano County District Attorney Sam Oatman, the day following Rowe's death. Wednesday, after the grand jury broke for lunch, Oatman said jurors will not reach a decision in one day. They need to see two more pieces of crucial evidence: Rowe's final autopsy results and his toxicology report. Oatman does not know how long it will take to receive the evidence. He said he does not want to rush the grand jury in their decision. The shooting victim's family and friends remain hopeful the grand jury will not only indict Oakes, but elevate the charge against him. 
"I hope it does get raised," said Rowe's close friend Anna Armadillo. "He didn't have a right to take his life."
Oakes' attorney said it was never his client's intention for someone to die. As Oakes sat outside the grand jury room ready to testify, he said he feels as good as can be expected.