Man accused in 20 year old double murder in court FRANKLIN, Ind. — A 35-year-old Shelbyville man pleaded not guilty Thursday morning in Johnson Circuit Court to murder charges in the 2006 stabbing deaths of a 10-year-old boy and his stepmother. A Johnson County grand jury indicted Michael Je rome James on four counts of murder for the killings of Blake Dickus, 10, and Chynna Dickus, 26. Police found both dead in their Franklin home on July 24, 2006. James, who was 14 at the time the stabbings happened, was arrested Friday. He faces four charges: Two counts of murder. Two counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit burglary. Franklin police said investigators determined 11 years ago that the deaths were linked to five burglaries in the area that happened before the killings. While no cameras were allowed inside the courtroom Thursday, Circle City Broadcasting spoke with an emotional Christina Smith, the mother of Blake Dickus, shortly after the 10-minute hearing ended. “I was trembling inside when he walked into the courtroom. I appreciate everyone’s love and continuing support. We really need that,” Smith said. The family of Blake and Chynna Dickus wore buttons with the faces of their loved ones during the proceedings. James, bound by chains on his wrists and ankles, was read the charges and told the court that he is currently in solitary confinement. He said he intends to hire private counsel but does not know how long it will take his family to raise the money. The judge ordered a virtual “status of counsel” meeting for Nov. 2, where James will update the court on his legal representation. Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner, currently in his second stint in the office, said this cold case has remained with him for 20 years. “One of the reasons I wanted to leave the bench and come back to the prosecutor’s office was to work on this case. It’s something that’s been hanging out there ever since I was prosecutor the first time,” said the Republican prosecutor. The judge deferred the issue of bond until James hires private counsel or is assigned a public defender. Michael Jerome James (Provided Photo/Franklin, Indiana, City Government) ...read more read less