A Carter County man charged with first-degree murder in connection with killing his mother made his first appearance in Carter County Criminal Court Monday before Criminal Court Judge Stacy Street to pick up an attorney and a new court date.

John Christopher Ralph, 52, 171 Reynolds Road, was charged with murder pursuant to a sworn affidavit filed by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Erica Stoner. Stoner’s affidavit states that on April 6, the CCSO deputies were dispatched to the Reynolds Road address where they discovered the body of Edith Ralph, which according to the affidavit, had severe trauma to the head and “several apparent gunshot wounds.” Family members confirmed to CCSO investigators and TBI agents that the victim’s son lived at the address with the diseased.

Stoner states in her report that “Former co-workers of John Christopher Ralph also informed Carter County Deputies and TBI Agents that approximately one week prior to the discovery of [the] body, John Christopher Ralph made statements to them about his mother driving him crazy and that he was afraid he would kill her.” The affidavit also says that Ralph requested that his co-workers take his picture to prove he was with them in case anything happened to his mother that night.

Special Agent Stoner filed her affidavit and an arrest warrant was issued against Ralph on April 6. Ralph was arrested by TBI agents on April 10.

Ralph’s case also was the subject of a wrongful death suit filed by the victim’s brother where he secured a $300,000 judgment against Ralph from a Carter County judge.

Ralph was bound over from General Sessions and awaits a grand jury indictment. He was in court to determine who would be presenting him. Judge Street asked him if had assets in order to hire his own attorney.

Ralph indicated that the civil suit may tie up any assets he may have, so Street assigned the public defender’s office to represent him in the meantime.

The judge also ordered Ralph to be back in court December 9 for further proceedings.

Street remains jailed on a $1 million bond in the Carter County Detention Center.