Brothers Due in Court Monday

FAYETTEVILLE — Opening statements have not been scheduled, but the case against Tilmon Charles Golphin, 19, and and Kevin Salavador Golphin, 17, is moving forward.

The brothers face murder charges in connection with the deaths of state trooper Lloyd "Ed" Lowry and Cumberland County Deputy David Hathcock in September.

The Golphin brothers are scheduled to appear in court tomorrow.

Lawyers for the accused killers say they fear their clients won't get a fair trial, because of the publicity surrounding the officers' deaths.

The shooting occurred at the N.C. 24 exit of I-95, near mile marker 52. Police said Lowry, 47, was conducting a routine traffic stop when he discovered the car he was checking was stolen from South Carolina. He called for backup, and the response came from Hathcock, 57, who was in the area. The deputy's duties usually consisted of serving civil papers.

After allegedly shooting Lowry and Hathcock with an automatic weapon, the suspects drove north on I-95 in a Toyota Camry.

The suspects were captured about 21 miles north of the shooting scene in Harnett County, after they abandoned the car they were driving.