More information was revealed at today’s 1:00 pm press conference today concerning the charges that will be brought against the Jan. 23 shooter at Marshall County High School which killed two students and injured 18 others.
“Kentucky law requires a probable cause and detention hearing be held within 48 hours of apprehension”, Assistant County Attorney Jason Darnall said. “That hearing has been scheduled.”
Darnall said the hearing is much like a preliminary hearing in an adult case where evidence is presented and the second phase of it is the detention hearing which is a bail hearing.
Following the hearing, Darnall said paperwork will be filed to classify the defendant as a youthful defender which is the process to charge him as an adult. The Marshall County Grand Jury is scheduled to meet February 13 at which time the case will be presented.
Darnall said two counts murder have been charged. The 12 counts of attempted murder will be assault in the first degree, which Darnall said both carry the same penalty.
“The reason for that is that based on the information we have right now, attempted murder is an offense which takes into account motive and specific intent”, Darnall said. “Assault first, the elements to the offense are serious physical injury by means of dangerous instrument.”
Darnall said as of now, they feel the better case is the assault in the first degree charge as opposed to attempted murder, going on to say the penalties for the two charges are the same.
All courtroom proceedings will be closed, with the exception of court personnel, victims and the victims parents, the defendant and his parents.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims”, Marshall County Schools Superintendent Trent Lovett said. Lovett thanked the staff, administration and students in the way they handled yesterday’s shooting.
“We’ve had some recommendations about when to start school back and I know that there’s been some questions about that”, Lovett said. “From across the nation, we’ve been listening to some advice and they think we need to get back to normalcy as soon as possible. Beginning tomorrow, we will have our elementary and middle schools in session at the regular time. Parents will be allowed to attend school with their child if need be. Buses will run at normal time. However, the high school will not be in session tomorrow.”
Lovett said that further details concerning when the high school will be back in session will come when that decision is made.
Complete video of today’s press conference.