GASTONIA, N.C. -- The Gaston County District Attorney may pursue the death penalty against a man accused murdering his ex-girlfriend and stabbing her grandson.

Kenneth Owens, 40, facing numerous charges, went before a judge Tuesday afternoon. He is accused of murdering Carolyn Barnette, 50, in her Bessemer City home Monday morning. Investigators say Owens also stabbed Barnette’s 11-year old grandson, Troy Conn, about a dozen times.

Owens said very little in court but glanced around at the courtroom several times as Barnette's family and friends stared back.

“He just showed no remorse, no remorse at all. He just looked around and looked at everybody and didn't look like he was sorry or anything,” said LeAnn Lang, who went to church with Barnette.

Investigators say Barnette and Owens dated at one point for seven years but hadn’t been a couple for the last few. They believe robbery was motive for the killing. Owens allegedly stole Barnette's prescription medication, paperwork for her medicine and car, and a handbag.

“How do you do that to someone who is disabled, I don't know,” said Lang.

Some of Barnette’s relatives who were not in the courtroom were at Carolinas Medical Center with Troy, who came out of his medically induced coma Tuesday.

“The next few days is going to be hard. My wife has lost her mom. My kids lost their grandma,” said Kevin Conn, Troy’s father.

Counselors were on hand Tuesday at Troy’s school, Stanley Middle, where his classmates are working on a video and a quilt to send to him in the hospital. He has a long road to recovery, but Kevin Conn said his son is off his ventilator and is slowly beginning to talk.

“He has tried to blow kisses to his mama, smiled at her, squeezed her hand. Thank God,” said Kevin Conn.

A judge appointed Owens a public defender. He is being held in the Gaston County Jail without bond. Court records show Owens had only been out of jail two and a half weeks after serving 53 days on probation violation.

Last year Owens pleaded guilty to attempted assault on Barnette's daughter in law. She claimed in court documents he tackled her, pinned her down and punched her in the face. He is now charged with murder, attempted murder, burglary and robbery.

Funeral arrangements for Barnette have not been set.