Paul H. Marcotte, Staff writer

ELIZABETHTOWN — Bladen County authorities have sent John Franklin Hester’s case to a grand jury.

Hester was expected in Bladen County District Court Thursday morning on charges that he murdered 70-year-old Rudolph Hughes of Bladenboro. But the court appearance was canceled because of the change.

Bladen County Assistant District Attorney Scott Ussery was not available for comment.

Police say Hester slit Hughes’ throat and then stabbed him in the chest July 13. Hester has also been charged with attempted first-degree murder for slashing the throat of Hughes’ 26-year-old grandson Wade Kelly.

Lawmen also consider Hester to be a suspect in the death of an 83-year-old retired Robeson County pastor. The Rev. Henry Charles Jackson was found dead in his home later in the afternoon of July 13. His throat had also been slashed. Hester was found a short time later hiding under a mobile home a few miles away.

Robeson County authorities have said little about that investigation.

Lawmen also believe that Hester is the man who attempted to hold up the Anitoch Grocery and Grill on N.C. 211 earlier on the same day as the murders. His attempt was thwarted by a pregnant clerk wielding a .32-caliber handgun.

Hester is currently jailed in Raleigh.