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Drown Murder Trial Moving To Johnson County Save Email Print
Posted: 2:09 PM May 5, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:58 PM May 5, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@
43 comments
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GRAYSON, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Robert Drown’s murder trial will start December 1 in Johnson County, KY.

During a hearing Monday morning in Carter County Circuit Court, Judge Rebecca Phillips made the change of venue request official.

Back in February, Phillips said she has tentatively reserved time at the Johnson County Courthouse in December for the trial.

Phillips says the courthouse has the proper security for the trial, including a jail next door.

Drown is facing the Death Penalty in the murders of Jennifer Ison and her daughters, Shannah and Marissa. The three were killed in May at their home in the Hitchins area of Carter County. The house was also set on fire.

During the February hearing, Drown’s attorney told the court they want the trial moved to Lexington or Louisville. The prosecution requested Johnson or Floyd Counties.

Drown remains in the Carter County Detention Center
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Posted by: kandi on Jul 4, 2008 at 01:32 AM
"Free Bobby"-"Poor Bobby" Anyone who puts these words in their mouth needs a wake up call! As a member of Jennifer & her babies family I find it so sick that you all have asked for this man's freedom! I'm sure that you have an image in your mind of what this man has lead you to believe that he is but let me tell you what I think he is...a baby raping murdering sick man that finally let his sick mind take over and his only remorse is that he got caught! You all are screaming that he is innocent and to let him go. DNA doesn't lie and how can you live with the thought that you think so much of "Poor Bobby" that you would allow him back on the streets to murder or rape another child...do you honestly think that a murdering rapist that has gone this far would care to rape you or your children just because he "likes" you? Take a step back and think of what your saying!The only "Poor Bobby" in this case was Jennifers step brother that loved her and her babies dearly-think of that!Pray for us!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 6, 2008 at 12:33 PM
TO be exact, Jennifer met him on sunday and he murdered them on tuesday night..from someone who knows, please continue to pray for us..
Posted by: STEVE on May 31, 2008 at 07:03 AM
IF YOU PEOPLE COULD READ, I SAID THE PROSECUTION NOT ME! PROSECUTORS ARE MYTHOTICAL PEOPLE WHO TWIST THE TRUTH! THIS IS ALL A BAD TRAGEDY AND I WANT JUSTICE,NOT NAME CALLING LIKE A BUNCH OF 15 YEAR OLD KIDS! SO IF YOU PERSONALLY THINK OF PEOPLE FROM THESE COUNTIES ARE BETTER TO READ THE EVIDENCE SO BE IT! I AM NOT AN IDIOT OR THIS OR THAT. REMEMBER THAT THE PROSECUTORS WILL HANG YOU OUT TO DRY IF THEY HAD A CHANCE. A COLLECTIVE SCIENCE WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO EXPLAIN. DO YOU WANT TO SIT IN A COURT ROOM THAT LONG JUST ON ONE SUBJECT? YOU NEED TO QUIT DOING THE PILLS AND KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT! IF HE'S GUILTY, HANG HIM. IF HE'S NOT, APOLOGIZE TO HIM. DNA CAN BE TRICKY TO THE FACT THAT IT COULD BE SOMEONE IN HIS FAMILY LINE. I HAVE EVEN READ THAT SOMEONE IN HIS FAMILY HAD PROBLEMS BEFORE. SO WAKE UP AND KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT AND QUIT THE NAME CALLING! ONE THING PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW IS THERE ARE INNOSCENT PEOPLE IN JAIL, IT COULD BE YOU! I KNOW QUITE A FEW!
Posted by: Matt B on May 26, 2008 at 08:57 PM
He deserve as well does everyone else deserves a free trial. And all the ones that says that he should be handed over the the people who loved the family. This of course is illegel, but if it wasnt and it did happen, I would be the first person in line to be at your jury and do my best to give the max sentence possible. It kills be the people who says this guy is a serial killer, HES NOT!!! A serial murder is a person who commites 3 or more unrelated killings on at least 3 different occasions with a cool off period. Does this sound like this case, NO!
Posted by: selina on May 12, 2008 at 11:54 PM
First off I have said this a million times and I will say it a million more I fully believe that Bobby is innocent and I will stand behind him until the end and if I am still alive come December I will be at every court day.I am sorry for the Ison's and their losses but I believe they have the wrong man and the truth will come out.
Posted by: brandy on May 9, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Let reword my last comment to Steve. You obviously think that Carter , Johnson and Floyd County People are stupid, Let me ask you this where are u from? They wanted to be in another county because, in order to get a fair trial(which he dont deserve). they would have to have it in another county , but they were also thinking of the familes and how far they would have to drive... Use your Brain....
Posted by: Brandy on May 9, 2008 at 09:20 PM
One year ago today my friend, my kids best friends, my former neighbors, Jennifer, Shannah, and Marissa, were taken from this world unexpectedly. The Lord took them home with him. They are in heaven looking down on us, wanting us to remember the good times we had. I remember talking with Jennifer the day after her birthday, of how much fun she had. I remember Shannah riding her bike in the driveway and telling her to watch for cars, and those wonderful shoulder rubs she would give me, her high heel shoes and makeup(that child loved makeup). And Marissa the day she came home from the hospital, to her running around chasing her sister and my stepdaughter and my daughter around wanting to play with them...Getting after Shannah to watch her sister. I remember Marissa having this big blue ball that was bigger then she was playing with it and my dog chasing her wanting to play. But I know that they are safe and out of harms way. And I know that they will see that justice is served for them.
Posted by: Brandy on May 9, 2008 at 08:42 PM
This is to Steve,are you calling the people in Carter Co. Stupid? Well maybe you need to back up to May 2007 when all of this happen , the Dna Evidence was there , he brutelly raped a child stabbed and strangeld their mother, and killed a 3 yera old child..... His cell phone recordeds poped up on the towers that night in Grayson, and he even stated that he remembered the church right down the road, from where they lived... Maybe you need to think about who your calling stupid.... As far as the trial goes Dna evidence proves that it was him.... So maybe you need to get your facts straight before you get on here running your mouth.... And as of today , it was one years ago today this whole county was in shock , disbelieve, and morning of a precious family, who did not deserve what had happen to them......My prayers are with the Ison and the Hall family
Posted by: JUNE on May 9, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Today is the anniversary of this horrible crime. Do you what the family is going through today? ALl day today, minute by minute I have re-lived everything that happened on May 9, 2007. I remember the shock when I got the call at 6:15am that morning telling me about the fire. Everything went downhill from there. The pain is just as real today as it was a year ago. I have cried today, got mad today, and smiled today remembering how beautiful the three of them were. The family lives with this every single day and today is exceptionally hard because of the date. WHen posting please remember that the family of three INNOCENT people are reading this and are hurt and reminded every single time a comment is posted. Pleas pray for the family, especially today. Jennifer, Shannah, Marissa may you rest and peace and also know that you will NEVER be forgotten. We love you and miss you very much :(....
Posted by: Friend of Ison's on May 8, 2008 at 05:53 PM
To all of you who keep saying that we don't know him he's a good guy. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I do not know him you are right, but I knew Jen, Marissa and Shanna and I know for sure that they were good. He may have you fooled but I know deep in my heart he did do this. I would never condemn an innocent person but they have to proove innocence first. He has no alibi and alot of motives & evidence. She knew him for 5 days prior to this, he is a sitting duck by having DNA at the scene. I will wait until the trial is completed to condemn him but you need to think daily about this and what this family has gone through. Please respect the family and friends and let us all grieve in our time. The one year anniversary is close please be respectful, if nothing else matters the family deserves that.
Posted by: thinking of the isons on May 8, 2008 at 03:07 PM
It's up to the courts...regardless of where they are...to determine his guilt or innocence. From the evidence that's been made public so far, it certainly seems he's guilty. But the most important thing is to remember the Ison family and the loss and turmoil they've suffered. I hope we'll all remember to pray for them that they have the strength to get through this trial, regardless of the outcome, and the ability to find peace and go on with their lives. None of us can even imagine what that poor family has been through. May God bless all of you, and may He see that justice is served for your family. Please remember that there are lots of people (not just in Carter co., but EVERYWHERE) who are praying for your family. God bless.
Posted by: mom of two in ky on May 8, 2008 at 02:40 PM
ya all forget that if he gets a trial in carter co. he can ask for an appeal on every thing that he can.. let them move it to johnson co or were ever they can have a fair trial, no appeals available ,then hand him over to the family of those precious people that died at his evil vile hands.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 7, 2008 at 09:03 PM
The crime took place in Carter County, try him in Carter County. Let him half to look at Carter Countians.
Posted by: BIRDEYE on May 7, 2008 at 11:53 AM
THIS IS SO WRONG, THE CRIME WAS IN CARTER COUNTY,THE TRIAL SHOULD STAY IN CARTER COUNTY! THIS GUY TOOK 3 LIFES?
Posted by: Melissa on May 7, 2008 at 11:48 AM
The prosecution more than likely requested Johnson or Floyd counties due to there drive time which is an acceptable request. Holding it in Lexington or Louisville would be unreasonable and cost the tax payers to much money. The people here in Johnson County understand DNA as well as any other county would,and have no problem giving anyone the Death Penalty. Your showing your ignorance if you think other wise.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 7, 2008 at 02:31 AM
The facts are in and they did not take this terrible crime lightly , they brought in many specialist. I think they should save the state some money and just hand him over to some of us that loved Jenn and those babies and let us take care of him , he would really get his due then. He has raped several before this so how could anyone say this man is innocent. I think if the DNA matches , put him in a room with a large gorilla and after the gorilla is done with him , nail him to the foor of a trailer by certain body parts and set it on fire , let him relive what he done to three very innocent people. Jenn was someone who made a difference in this world and as well as those girls were being raised I think they would have been adults who made this a better place. This monster has no place in this world ,not even prison is enough for what he done
Posted by: to steve on May 7, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Dear Steve, YOUR AN IDIOT!!!!
Posted by: to steve on May 6, 2008 at 06:57 PM
do you honestly believe that just because someone is from floyd or johnson co. that they do not understand science? come on! sounds like you are judging unfairly to me. i'm pretty sure that they will be able to grasp the concept of dna results. only the ignorant make unfair judgements.
Posted by: 3:26am on May 6, 2008 at 04:59 PM
no i'm not ugly and i know how to spell ok so back off and no i don't date serial killers i have a really nice husband thank you! And yes i will say i don't think he done it thank you! and if the DNA test says he did it then i'm wrong ok so save it and we will see what the court has to say ok it is not up to you all or me or any body else
Posted by: Stephanie on May 6, 2008 at 04:50 PM
In response to Steve, the prosecution didn't want this trial moved to Lexington or Louisville because those are college towns and the people are educated? So that means that the people in Johnson and Floyd counties are uneducated, easily led and manipulated bafoons who couldn't possibly understand anything of a scientific nature that is put before them? That is the feeling I've gotten from your post. But then, I was born and raised very near Johnson County and, though I graduated from Morehead State with very near a perfect GPA, so I probably don't have the intellectual capacity to understand the deeper meaning of your defense. If you believe in this man's innocence, so be it. I will reserve my opinion until all of the evidence is presented and then I will attempt to make an educated decision. Of course, all of that is based on my feeble mind's ability to understand all of the intricacies of "science".
Posted by: Roger on May 6, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Steve, As someone from Carter County, I find it very offensive that you assume we don't have the intelligence to understand DNA evidence. Believe it or not, there are many people in this county who not only have seen a college, but actually attended one. We even have one in Grayson! The defense, not the prosecution, asked for the change of venue. I am sure Judge Phillips would do a fine job if necessary. The people involved in the justice system in Carter County are not the ones you should be looking to blame. There is plenty of SOLID evidence to convict this cold blooded killer. We in Carter County are very capable of discerning that. I know it is for hard you "Drown lovers" to take, but he did this crime, and the evidence will prove it. Oh by the way Steve, unless you are enveloped in an odor, the word is innocent, not innoscent. But I'm sure the well educated folks in Johnson County will understand that.
Posted by: CATHY on May 6, 2008 at 02:38 PM
I agree with Chris this guy deserves the same fate that he put on that family.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 6, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Sorry but I had to post this. This message thing does have a spell checker on it. When a red line appears under your word then you know it is spelled wrong. O.K. :-)
Posted by: stephanie browning on May 6, 2008 at 01:04 PM
You people are crazy that say that he needs a fair trial and not to judge him. How can you not judge him? He did kill a mother and two sweet little angels. Not only that, he sexually assaulted one of those little girls before killing them. He is a monster. He deserves to die and go stait to hell, giving this "thing" jail or prison would not be enough. And to the 3:26 am comment, come on now, do you really think that he is going to admit to something like this? Why no, he thinks that he can get by with this. I say hang him. And to the Ison family god bless you all. Just remember, justice will prevail!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: To STEVE on May 6, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Steve, sounds like your downing the people of floyd and johnson co. I know a lot of people from there and They have done many dna studies on a genealogy level many live people and many people that has been dead for 100 yrs of years so yeah they know how to read a Dna fact finding sheet. I believe for the him to get a fair trial its best to move it.There was dna found on that child he was accused of raping.. did you get that raping a 10 year old and bashing her in the head come on, they have the truth or he would not have been arrested if his dna didnt match. you also forget they will have dna specialist there to explain all the codes, sequences. JOHNSON county people will prevail!!!!!
Posted by: Eric on May 6, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Terrorism lives in our own backyard, not Iraq. This crime is absolutely unspeakable evil and makes one wonder how any human could be capable of such things. This story sickens me.
Posted by: George on May 6, 2008 at 08:21 AM
The The ignorance on here amazes me. Drown's attorneys asked for the December trial. The Prosecutor asked for July. Drown is the one seeking to delay the ineviatable. Judge Phillips will be the Judge and the evidence presented at the bond hearing was pretty convincing. Hopefully this will end soon for the victim's famililes.
Posted by: Debbie on May 6, 2008 at 08:07 AM
You people are laughable. He's guilty as sin, and not only that his DNA matches an unsolved rape in Huntington. If by some technicality he walks in Ky., very unlikely, he's going down in WV. DNA doesn't lie. He does. He's a persistent sex offender and no matter how many times someone's waited on him doesn't change anything. I'm sure there's a waitress/waiter out there that thought Bundy was a great guy. So Drown, close your eyes and count back from 100, doesn't matter where you go, you're getting the needle, and that's too good for him, he deserves worse.
Posted by: Isaac on May 6, 2008 at 05:26 AM
This is to the very bad speller on May 6 at 3:26 , if you believe this man so much why don't you give your name , why hide it? It doesn't matter anyway cause this dude is a monster and needs to be fried!!!! You must be one of those girls who get off dating serial killers, you know most of those ladies are so ugly that is all they can get is a Charlie Manson type, .. lol is that you ?? Don't worry he will be home in about 3 to 4 life times.
Posted by: annoamous on May 6, 2008 at 03:26 AM
i use to wait on him every day and he is not the monster that you all think he is he is a very good guy and so is his family ok i don't think he done this.i don't think it is in his heart ok so unless you all know him or his family you all need to think about there feelings when you are posting these comments ok his family is really upset over all this and he said he didn't do this and i belive him.
Posted by: Vilgil_Antie on May 5, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Sheesh... there hasn't been one day spent in trial, court and the public already has him hanging from a rope! Why won't you all wait until the real facts come out before you pass judgement? The evidence that I have heard about is flimsy at best and in no way enough to get a conviction. I guess you people have inside knowledge, and if the jury is a reflection of the society surrounding it, this man hasn't a chance. Shame on you all for condemning a man without a trial..it's almost unconstitutional.
Posted by: STEVE on May 5, 2008 at 10:44 PM
LISTEN PEOPLE OF CARTER COUNTY, WHY DOES THE PROSECUTOR WANTS THIS CASE TRIED IN JOHNSON OR FLOYD COUNTIES? LEXINGTON AND LOUISVILLE ARE COLLEGE TOWNS WITH HIGHLY EDUCATED PEOPLE WHO CAN UNDERSTAND DNA RESULTS! KENTUCKY FOLK HAVE COMMON SENSE AND DNA IS NOT COMMON SENSE BUT A COLLECTIVE SCIENCE! LISTEN PEOPLE, THE INNOSCENT PROJECT HAS RELEASED MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE ON DEATH ROW ALONE FROM WHERE THE PROSECUTOR INCARCERATED INNOSCENT PEOPLE TO DEATH BY FANCY WORDING, NOT TRUTH. THIS COULD BE THE CASE HERE! PLEASE, I BEG YOU, BE PATIENT UNTIL ALL THE FACTS ARE IN. THERE ARE FACTS WE AS CITIZEN DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE CASE. JUDGE PHILLIPS WILL NOT BE THE JUDGE, SO WHERE DOES JUSTICE GO FROM HERE. DROWN HAS ALWAYS WANTED A SPEEDY TRIAL AND WHY HAVEN'T HE NOT RECEIVED IT? THE PROSECUTOR KNOWS HOW TO INCARCERATE INNOSCENT PEOPLE. THE PROSECUTOR THINK YOU PEOPLE IN FLOYD AND JOHNSON COUNTY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND DNA! SO HE'S AUTOMATICALLY GUILTY. MAY GOD BE WITH US ALL AND FIND THE TRUTH IN ALL THIS.
Posted by: nealson on May 5, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I think they should re-enact the crime and use him as the victim.
Posted by: sandy on May 5, 2008 at 06:37 PM
I think drown should be tried where the crime took place.I don;t think he deserves a fair trial.He wasn;t 'fair' to that mother and her babies.No one deserves to die such a horrible death.But I believe the people of Johnson Co.will do the right thing.
Posted by: Joanne on May 5, 2008 at 06:18 PM
I don't believe it's going to matter where the trial is being held. The facts will show that this guy is a monster and he'll have quite a long wait until they stick the needle in him. After that he'll likely be spending eternity in hell. Not much of a future for this one. Nor does he deserve one.
Posted by: samm on May 5, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Thank you Judge for keeping it close enough to drive yet far enough away for an impartial jury.
Posted by: carter county resident on May 5, 2008 at 05:46 PM
i hope december rolls around fast so this sick cold hearted sob will get what he deserves. how could you live with your self knowing that you did something like that? i don't know how anyone could lay down and sleep without having flash backs and seeing there faces i hope he see's them every time he shuts his eyes the way they looked after he made them suffer. HURRY UP DECEMBER!
Posted by: Justin on May 5, 2008 at 04:31 PM
This thug does not deserve to live that long, he should put to death like a sick dog. May GOD bless and keep the Ison Family through all of this, they were innocent and did not deserve this.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 03:26 PM
jail is to good for him!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 03:24 PM
im glad that this trial is in the surrouding area. now maybe the family will get the closure they need. This guy is the lowest piece of scum on this earth. im also happy with judge phillips decision to hold it in johnson county and not moving it down state. Job well done judge phillips.
Posted by: STEVE on May 5, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE ROBERT DROWN JR. HAVE A SPEEDY TRIAL. HE THINKS HE CAN GET ONE IN GRAYSON. I THINK SO TOO! THIS IS A BAD DEFENSE MOVE BECAUSE ONE IF THE DNA DOESN'T MATCH DROWN THE PEOPLE WHO MADE PRESUPTIVE COMMENTS WILL EXONERATE HIM. TWO KENTUCKY FOLK HAVE COMMON SENSE, AND FINAL GIVE HIM HIS SPEEDY TRIAL! REMEMBER IT'S ELECTION TIME AND THE PROSECUTORS ARE PLAYING WITH TIME! IF SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT AS THIS HAS TO WAIT, SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. PLEASE, GIVE CLOSURE TO EVERYONE SO THEY CAN GO ON WITH THERE LIVES. THIS IS TRAGIC,SAD AND MOST OF ALL FELT BY ALL! GOD WILL REVEAL THE TRUTH AND THE PROSECUTION WILL HAVE TO EXPLAIN WHY THEY COULD HAVE BEEN WRONG! IS THE DNA THERE? IF SO GIVE HIM HIS DUE AND MAKE HIM PAY THE PRICE, IF NOT ALL APOLOGIZE FOR THE THINGS THAT WERE SAID IN PRESUMED GUILT. I AM NOT CONVINCED EITHER WAY
Posted by: chris on May 5, 2008 at 02:27 PM
The death penalty is way to easy for a man this evil. He should experience the same horror that this family suffered...this is unspeakable evil.
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