Preliminary Hearing Set for Man Accused of Killing Columbia Pike Jeweler

The man accused of has a preliminary hearing scheduled in early October in Arlington County General District Court.

Prosecutors will begin laying out evidence against James Sylvester Caroline, 53, of Washington, at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4.

Caroline faces one count of first-degree murder. He is accused of deliberately and with premeditation killing Tommy Wong on July 27, according to his arrest warrant.

Police say Caroline killed Wong at his business, Capital Jewelers, during a robbery.

Preliminary hearings are held to determine if enough probable cause exists to send a case to a grand jury.

Commonwealth's Attorney Theo Stamos declined to comment on what evidence would be presented.

Stamos also declined to comment on what, if any, additional charges would be brought against Caroline.

Under Virginia law, murder committed during a robbery or attempted robbery is a capital offense.

Arlington County and charged him with probation violation. He the next day.

Caroline was on probation for a series of credit card fraud and theft charges. Arlington police have said he also is the suspect in a June 9 armed robbery in northwest Washington, D.C.

Friends and family described Wong, of Herndon, as a hard-working family man and a beloved member of the community. More than 200 people attended  for him on Aug. 1.

Flowers and other memorials continue to line the sidewalk in front of Capital Jewelers, 3219A Columbia Pike.