Music teacher's family attends hearing for man charged in her killing

Deborah Liles' husband says he will be at every hearing until there's justice

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family members of a Jacksonville elementary school teacher killed during a home invasion returned to the Duval County Courthouse on Tuesday as their loved one's accused killer faced a judge.

The family of Deborah Liles watched as Adam Lawson Jr. made an appearance for his pretrial hearing, which only lasted for three minutes. 

Deborah Liles, 62, was found dead in her Panama Park home in April. Days later, Lawson was arrested on charges of murder, armed burglary, auto theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court records, the final pretrial hearing was supposed to happen in August. Typically, the trial begins soon after, but now the mental competency of Lawson is being questioned. 

At Tuesday's pretrial hearing, the judge was told a doctor still needs to finish completing a report, so the next pretrial hearing was scheduled to be held in two weeks until it's completed.

"I hope that justice delayed in not justice denied," Liles' husband, Michael, told News4Jax after the hearing.

Michael Liles said he misses his wife every day, and he will be at every hearing and at the trial until there's justice.

"I don't want that man to step out without seeing our faces," Liles said. "My wife did not invite this man into our house, and I want him to see the face of justice."

Michael Liles said he is grateful for police, prosecutors and the media for the attention given to this case.

The next pretrial hearing will be Nov. 7. Michael Liles said he and his children will be in court for the hearing. 


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