Judge Considering Dismissal Of Murder Charges Against Claude Russell

Both a motion to dismiss and the setting of a new trial date in the 2002 murder case of Claude Russell were discussed during a pretrial conference in Trigg Circuit Court Thursday afternoon. The case has spanned 16-years without being resolved including a trial that ended with a hung jury in 2012.

Defense attorney John Stewart filed the motion to dismiss the case against Russell, claiming he has been deprived of his right to a speedy trial. Russell is charged with murder and rape in the June 2002 death of Chantel Humphries.

Stewart stated Russell has suffered quite a bit during the delay of this case.

right-click to download mp3
Stewart noted the Court of Appeals took 18 to 24 months to hand down a ruling.

Other than the Court of Appeals delay, Special Prosecutor Zac Greenwell said there was only one delay that occurred due to action by the Commonwealth.

right-click to download mp3
Greenwell noted there has been no prejudice toward the defendant from the Commonwealth.

right-click to download mp3

After hearing the arguments, Judge Woodall stated they all agreed the facts in Russell’s case is an exceptional situation.

right-click to download mp3

Judge Woodall said he would allow 60 days to make his ruling on the motion.Greenwell also asked to set a trial date in the case. Judge Woodall tentatively set the trial to begin with jury selection on August 19, 2019 and allowed two weeks for the case to be heard. He added the trial is depending on his ruling on the motion to dismiss.

WebReady^TM Powered by WireReady^® NSI