Godwin man accused of trying to kill girlfriend

James Raymond Owens, 35, of 7769 Dunn Road, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and tampering with 911 services.

Investigators say that on Oct. 30, Owens became violent during an argument with his girlfriend, Jeanie Newell, 44, of Fayetteville, and hit her repeatedly on the head and face with his fists and a beer bottle.

Newell lost consciousness during the assault but managed to call 911 for help, detectives said. She was taken to Betsy Johnson Hospital for treatment and later moved to UNC Hospitals for intensive care.

Doctors said Newell suffered a head injury that has impaired her memory, according to detectives.

Owens was being held in the Cumberland County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.

Owens was convicted in 2009 of assault with a deadly weapon and put on probation, according to state Department of Correction records.

In 2002, he was also given probation for two convictions for assault on a female. He served about five weeks in jail that same year for violating a protective order.