A preliminary hearing was held Friday for Jason Carter who is charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of his mother Shirley Carter.

Judge Dustria Relph presided over the hearing, which was Jason Carter’s first court appearance since being released on bond Thursday. DCI Special Agent Mark Ludwick was called to testify during the hearing. Ludwick told the court that Jason Carter had knowledge of the murder only the killer could know. Carter knew that his mom had been shot twice before first responders and law enforcement could determine that fact because of the position of the body. Ludwick also stated he determined Jason Carter was the prime suspect and wanted to arrest him in the fall of 2015. Ludwick said he believes Jason is the killer because he also did not call 911 right away and instead called his sister. Jason had also called Sheriff Jason Sandholdt about the missing rifle before he knew it was the suspected murder weapon. He also had given multiple inconsistent statements over the past two and a half years during the investigation, as well as during the civil trial. Judge Relph ruled there was probable cause to believe that Jason Carter committed the murder of his mother and ruled the State is justified in pursuing its charges.