Doug Minor was transported to the DeKalb County Courtroom of Judge Whitmire Thursday morning for his initial appearance. According to Sheriff Jimmy Harris, he was charged with the murder of 35 year old Bobbie Lynn Ross of Ft Payne and the kidnapping of 36 year old Norma Jo Grinnell, also of Ft Payne. He was additionally charged with Assault 1st Degree in the case.

Bond for Minor, age 32, was set at $500,000 and Robert Ray was appointed as his attorney.

Minor and Grinnell were the subjects of a manhunt in DeKalb and Cherokee counties – with the pair being found in a chicken house in the Tucker’s Chapel community on County Road 47, at around 9:30 Sunday morning (April 26th).

It was initially believed that Grinnell was a suspect – however, it was later learned that she had been forced to accompany Minor, following the death of Bobbie Lynn Ross at the home on County Road 127 (Jennings Road) on Lookout Mountain.

A report from the pathologist indicated that Ross died from blunt force trauma to the head, apparently during the early morning hours of Saturday.

In an interview with investigators Tuesday – Minor admitted that he, Grinnell and Ross had been on a three to four day meth high when an argument began and he struck both women.

A preliminary hearing is expected to take place sometime in June.