BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–According to Berkeley County court records, James Loftis was released from jail Tuesday morning after a circuit court judge set bond at $250,000 the previous day.
The Goose Creek man is charged with two counts of murder.
Court records show that as part of his release, Loftis is allowed to go to work, attend church and visit his attorney’s office.
Goose Creek Police say on March 6th, 2016, the two victims, James Cody Newland and Guma Dubar, were shot, their bodies burned beyond recognition and then buried in a shallow grave.
Officers say that Loftis confessed that in the early morning hours of March 5th, he took a cab ride home to his house after leaving a strip club.
After the cab ride, Loftis reportedly told police that he walked inside his home and a short time later the cab driver, Dubar, and Newland banged on the front door. Police say Loftis stated that he then proceeded to open the front door, at which time the other two
men pushed their way into the house.
They reportedly then told Loftis that they wanted their money for the cab fare. After being threatened, police say Loftis stated, “I’ll get your money” and walked into another room to obtain a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Loftis went on to explain that he then walked back into the living room and fired eight shots at the cab driver and Newland.
A trial date is still pending. However, if convicted Loftis could face the death penalty or life in prison.
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