James Dunmore appeared in court Monday for the first time since he was charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Allisha Watts.

WRAL News recently learned Dunmore is married. ArteeBruton, Dunmore's wife since 2021, was in the courtroom Monday to support the Watts family.

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Bruton took out a domestic violence protective order against Dunmore in May after she said he threatened to kill her, kidnapped her and sexually assaulted her.

"I would just say from my experience I am just definitely hoping justice is served at this time," Bruton said. "I know from my experience that I don't want this to happen to anyone else."

Bruton said her awareness of domestic violence is now heightened, and she is thankful to be in touch with the Watts family.

"I just love being a support system for them and they will be a support system for me ... [I'm] very grateful to speak with them and meet with them," she said.

Dunmore, 51, is being held in the Montgomery County jail without bond. No cameras were allowed for the 9:30 a.m. court appearance, but WRAL News was inside the courtroom.

Dunmore was wearing a gray and black jail jumpsuit with a mask when he appeared in court. His hands and feet were both shackled.

If convicted of Watts' murder, Dunmore faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty. On Monday, he told the court he had no source of income and was assigned an attorney until he can be represented by one who can defend a death penalty case.

The court appearance lasted only six minutes, and Dunmore's next court date was scheduled for Sept. 14.

Supporters of Watts, including friends and family, were in attendance Monday. The judge asked everyone to stay quiet in the courtroom, as he knew it was an emotionally charged appearance.

Brenda Smith, a spokesperson for the family, spoke to WRAL News on behalf of Watts' mother. It was the first time she saw Dunmore since Watts went missing and was found dead.

"For me to see him the first time ... I broke down," she said.

Smith said Watts' mother wants justice for her daughter.

"If he is the one that did it, she said that he deserves to have his eyes closed just like her daughter's eyes are closed and will never be open again," Smith said. "I can't imagine what would trigger him, if he did it, to do such a thing."

Digital evidence led investigators to Watts' body on Aug. 24 in a wooded area more than a month after her disappearance.

Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields said he believes Watts' body had been there since July 18, two days after she was seen by friends. Watts was 39 years old.

According to Fields, investigators had searched that area several times before.

WRAL News asked Fields whether he believes Watts was killed in the woods or elsewhere.

"It is our belief she was killed in that [wooded] area," Fields said.

Fields said Watts' body is now at the medical examiner's office in Raleigh for an autopsy. He hopes authorities can determine Watts' cause of death.

Speaking with WRAL News on Friday, Fields did not say how Watts died.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to Ms. Watts' family and her friends," Fields said. "She had a big following."

Dunmore was taken into custody Aug. 24 at his Charlotte-area home, the same day Watts' body was discovered.

The case drew attention from all over the state. Multiple vigils were held in recent weeks, as Watts' family, friends and community prayed for her safe return.

"There will be a day of reckoning for this individual that was arrested," Fields said.

Family at the scene said Thursday's news was "heartbreaking, but it's closure."

"She is in a better place now," said family friend Bridget Cotton. "We thank everyone for their efforts and prayers."

WRAL News uncovered that Dunmore has a violent past -- with past convictions for kidnapping in 2003. Virginia records show Dunmore has convictions for abduction, stalking and assault and battery. The abduction charge from 2003 carried a maximum prison sentence of five years.

The Watts family is in the process of making funeral arrangements.

"Allisha is the kind of person who left her mark and her influence on everybody every place she went," said Dorothy Brewer, a friend of Allisha Watts. "There is nothing we can do to bring her back but we can make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else."

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