Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Richmond, VA: Suspect in woman's death denied bond in abduction

By MARK BOWES | TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Published: July 28, 2010

Richmond, Va. --
A Richmond judge yesterday denied bond for Michael D. Solomon on a charge of abducting his slain girlfriend's 2-year-old son last week.

During a brief hearing in Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Judge Richard B. Campbell echoed a prosecutor's concern about releasing Solomon because "the mother of this child was slain."

He was referring to Tameka Claiborne, 28, whose body was found Friday partially submerged in the James River near the Westover Plantation and Gardens in Charles City County.

Solomon, 27, described by police as the prime suspect in Claiborne's killing, is charged with abducting and then abandoning Claiborne's son, Malik Ellison, on July 20. That is the same day that Claiborne was last seen in the company of Solomon at their home in South Richmond, according to court papers.

There was some confusion yesterday about who will represent Solomon, who appeared by videoconference from the Richmond City Jail. Solomon surrendered to police Friday accompanied by an attorney, Mary Kay Martin, but Solomon told the judge yesterday that he has been unable to contact her since.

Campbell asked defense attorney Katina Whitfield to temporarily represent Solomon and to try to reach Martin.

After denying Solomon bond, the judge set an Aug. 26 preliminary-hearing date.

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