NASHVILLE – A fair trial in Nash County for the funeral home director accused of killing his wife might be impossible, his attorney said Wednesday.

Mark Bowling's court-appointed lawyer, Tommy Moore, said it seems most Nash County residents already have tried and convicted his client.

Bowling is charged, along with his alleged mistress, Rose Vincent, with first-degree murder for the December shooting of his wife, Julie.

Prosecutors announced Wednesday in N.C. Superior Court in Nash County that they will seek the death penalty for Bowling, one day after making the same announcement for Vincent.

Because the case is capital, the court appointed a second lawyer for Bowling; Thomas Sallenger of Wilson.

Bowling, his hands and feet shackled, several times mouthed to friends in the courtroom, "it'll be all right."