Porter trial set to start this month

The pending murder trial for Quentin Lamont Porter, Jr., accused of the July 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old Malik Darea Sims, is scheduled to begin later this month.

Although the trial was originally set to get underway on Jan. 21, 2025, the trial was first delayed until May 12 of last year. On May 5, however, a hearing was held in the Owen County Circuit Court I on a motion for continuance filed by the defense. Arguments from both sides were heard, with the court ultimately resetting the start date to July 21.

A series of subpoenas/summons were filed on July 9 and July 10 in preparation for the Aug. 4 start date, however, the trial start was again cancelled on and rescheduled for Jan. 20, 2026 beginning at 9 a.m. in Owen County Circuit Court I.

Porter remains in custody without bond. The court has allotted eight days for the trial, excluding Saturday and Sunday.

More in-depth coverage of the case was published in the August 2024 issue of The Owen News. The full article and coverage of each of the delays can be accessed on our website.