Preliminary hearing reveals new details in fatal stabbing on Blue Jay Road; suspect denied bond

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - A preliminary murder hearing in Effingham County Superior Court revealed new details about a stabbing that investigators say happened while a man and his employer were driving together.

In court the sheriff’s office lead investigator outlined what he’s learned so far about the March 18 case on Blue Jay Road. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and a motive has not been released.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 1 man dead, another charged with murder after stabbing on Blue Jay Road in Effingham County

What investigators say happened

Effingham County Sheriff’s Office investigator Thomas Rahn testified about the reported stabbing from March 18. The victim was identified as Chapin Michael McRee, the owner of a small construction business. Rahn said the suspect, James Barla, worked for McRee and that the two also had a personal relationship.

“They also have had a friendly relationship,” Rahn said. “Just a week or two before this, Mr. McRee went to Mr. Barla’s grandchildren’s birthday party, so they’ve had a relationship for a little over a year now.”

Despite that, Rahn said McRee was later seen bleeding from stab wounds as he jumped from his moving car to get away from Barla, who was allegedly in the passenger seat.

Investigators testified the two were last seen about 30 minutes earlier on a Parker’s gas station security camera, walking out together.

“They walk out at the same time and they were walking side by side talking to each other,” Rahn said. “There’s no aggressive posture or nobody looks angry or upset.

Witnesses described suspect’s behavior at the scene, investigator says

After McRee ran from the vehicle, Rahn said he was seen yelling at passing cars for help. The investigator testified some witnesses were hesitant to stop because of Barla’s actions.

“One witness that was in a white Dodge said he grabbed on the door handle and when the door wouldn’t open, he started stabbing at the passenger side window with some type of sharp object,” Rahn said. When asked in court if that person was Barla, Rahn responded, “That was Mr. Barla, yeah.”

McRee was taken to Memorial Hospital with five stab wounds and later died, Rahn testified.

Defense argued medical issues; judge denied bond

Rahn also testified Barla suffered injuries including a severed foot, more than a dozen stitches and head trauma after a garbage truck encountered the scene. Rahn said Barla allegedly jumped toward the truck.

“That’s when Barla jumped out in front of him and he described it as running at the truck like he was going to square up and fight the truck,” Rahn said.

Barla’s mother, Paula Barla, argued in court that he should be released on bond due to medical needs.

When asked if she believed he needed more intensive medical care than he is currently receiving, she replied, “Yes.”

The judge denied bond, citing concerns including Barla’s criminal history. Prosecutors said Barla has gone through 23 arrest cycles and was already out on bond for battery charges in Bryan County at the time of this incident.

What we still don’t know

This was only a preliminary hearing. Investigators have not said what led up to the alleged stabbing or why it happened, and Barla’s motive remains unknown.