TROY, N.C. — Emotions ran high in a Montgomery County courtroom Wednesday as family and friends of Allisha Watts expressed deep disappointment after her ex-boyfriend, James Dunmore, accepted a plea deal in her death. Many in the packed gallery felt that the deal denied them the sense of justice they sought for their loved one.
Dunmore, charged in connection with Watts’ killing, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and failure to notify authorities of a death. Although he entered an Alford Plea—where he maintains his innocence while acknowledging the likelihood of conviction—his acceptance of the lesser charges left many advocates for Watts feeling unsettled.
The combination of charges results in a potential prison sentence of 10 to 14 years. This outcome stood in stark contrast to the hopes of Watts’ loved ones, who believed justice would shine brighter in a murder trial. Tea Hines, a cousin of Watts, shared the agonizing weight of returning home knowing that the verdict seemed inadequate. “The ride home will be the hardest,” she stated, reflecting the collective anguish in the room.
Watts, 39, had disappeared in July 2023 after visiting Dunmore in Charlotte. Her remains were discovered a month later in a secluded area of Montgomery County. The circumstances surrounding her death remain murky, as authorities were unable to determine the cause during the autopsy, and no cell phones belonging to either Watts or Dunmore were ever recovered.
During the hearing, Dunmore turned to Watts’ supporters and extended an apology, which did little to assuage their grief. “Allisha was failed,” said Dianna Ingram, a close friend of Watts. She expressed skepticism about Dunmore’s sincerity, adding, “We know what he did, and he knows what he did.” Ingram emphasized that the memory of Watts would endure, affirming, “Her name will never be forgotten.”
The lack of clarity surrounding Watts’ final moments adds to the frustration felt by her family. According to the lead prosecutor, the ongoing investigation has yet to reveal where the incident occurred, complicating the narrative of accountability.
As the courtroom emptied following the plea, loud murmurs echoed the shared disappointment among attendees. Many felt that the system had fallen short of delivering true justice, leaving an unsettling sense of incompleteness.
With a future penalty of up to 14 years looming, advocates for Watts continue to seek answers and deeper accountability. Their commitment to keeping her spirit alive stands steadfast amidst the sorrow of the legal proceedings.