Lisa Marchesoni, Senior Writer
Posted: Wednesday, December 30, 2009 7:23 pm

Ronald W. Damon, Ashton Garza and James Charles Pittard

Three suspects accused of beating an elderly Eagleville couple are in custody, Detective Sgt. Dan Goodwin, sheriff's spokesman, said Wednesday night.

Detective Capt. Preble Acton reported after a comprehensive three-day investigation, suspects Ronald W. Damon, 36, of 901 W. Main St.; Ashton Garza, 19, of 5636 Constantine Dr., Rockvale; and James Charles Pittard, 20, of 2198 West Green Hill Road, McMinnville, were charged with especially aggravated burglary, especially aggravated kidnapping (two counts) and aggravated robbery (two counts) by sheriff's Detective Steve Kohler and Detective Bryant Gregory.
 
"This unit personalizes all criminal acts against innocent victims however; the heartless and callous nature of this incident created an urgency to arrest those responsible and restore a sense of security to the Eagleville community as well as to the citizens of Rutherford County," Acton said.  

The three men face charges in the beating of Cecil Story, 86, and his wife, Edna, 93, who weighs 60 pounds, Goodwin said. The suspects allegedly burst into their Floyd Road home Sunday night, clobbered Cecil Story and beat both residents before robbing them of about $100.

"The detectives and responding deputies were emotionally affected by the victims and what they were subjected to Sunday night," Acton said. "Emotions aside the detective unit came together as professionals do; investigating leads, following those leads and ensuring that a solid case is presented before the Criminal Justice system.
 
"We are happy that the first phase of this case is completed," the captain said. "We assure the community that the detectives will be as diligent and tireless in the prosecutorial stages of this investigation."

General Sessions Court Judge Ben McFarlin ordered all three men held without bond until a hearing next week.