Wade Joe Jackson

THOMASVILLE — The trial of a Thomas County man charged three years ago with murder has been continued for a second time.

Wade Joe Jackson 55, was to stand trial in Thomas County Superior Court in October 2016 for the May 4, 2014, death of Sharlene Smith Steadman at the woman’s 142 Lady Bug Lane residence.

Jackson, now an inmate at a state prison, was charged with murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault and burglary in the bludgeoning death. He was taken into custody after the death, charged with parole violation and transferred to the state prison.

The October trial was continued when a witness could not be in Thomasville at that time.

The second trial — scheduled for next week — was continued for the same reason but a different witness.

“Each time has been due to witness unavailability,” Jim Prine, senior assistant district attorney, said.

Steadman’s body was found about 2:30 a.m. on the floor of her residence between Ochlocknee and Coolidge.

A relative staying at the victim’s residence became suspicious of a pre-dawn visitor, followed him to the front door and saw him leave.

When the relative turned on the light, he saw Steadman lying on the living room floor bleeding from her head and making snoring sounds.

Because of a bad phone connection, the relative could not call 911 from the Steadman residence and went to a neighbor’s to call for help. Steadman was pronounced dead at Archbold Memorial Hospital.

The visitor — identified as Jackson — had gone to the relative’s room and turned on the light. The relative identified the individual.

Jackson violated parole when he used illegal drugs, a law enforcement officer said at the time of the crime.

He was released on parole after serving a prison term for an aggravated assault conviction.

Prine said the trial will be rescheduled.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820