Nearly four years after Amber Dawn Compton was found shot to death inside her Buchanan County home, the trial of the man accused of killing her began this week in Russell County.
Jury selection in the case against Dustin Barrett Owens began at 9 a.m. Monday. The trial was moved from Buchanan County after a judge granted a defense request for a change of venue.
Owens is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Compton’s death. The charge is an allegation, and Owens is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Compton, 35, was found dead inside her Vansant home Oct. 22, 2022. She had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was seven months pregnant at the time.
Compton was a registered nurse and a mother of three. She and Owens were both employed at Keen Mountain Correctional Center in Oakwood and were involved in a relationship.
The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after receiving a report that Compton was missing. Her body was discovered inside her home as investigators worked to determine what happened during the hours leading up to her death.
Owens was arrested Oct. 24, 2022, and charged with first-degree murder. He was later denied bond and remained in custody as the case moved through the court system.
Compton’s death left her family grieving both her loss and that of her unborn child. In the years since the killing, her relatives have continued advocating for justice while also encouraging others to recognize warning signs in potentially dangerous relationships.
The trial is expected to continue after a jury is selected.
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Dustin Barret Owens is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the October 2022 shooting death of Amber Dawn Compton in Buchanan County. His trial began this week in Russell County after the case was moved from Buchanan County (Photo courtesy of SWVRJ).
