The preliminary hearing for the suspect in the Will Jackson Road murder and arson case has been postponed.
Trigg District Judge Jamus Redd says the hearing of Jonathon McCoy was continued until Tuesday, December 22, at 10:00 in Trigg District Court. McCoy was arraigned December 8 in Trigg District Court on charges of murder, arson, and other charges. Judge Natalie White entered a not guilty plea on McCoy’s behalf.
State Police say Jonathan McCoy is charged with the murder of Thelma Ilene Barnett and then setting her house on fire on September 16, 2020. According to the arrest warrant, McCoy is accused of tying Barnett’s hands behind her back, strangling her to death, and then setting fire to her home with her body still inside. McCoy was arrested December 3 while lodged in the Christian County Jail on other charges relating to an arrest for charges resulting from a September 22 incident.
McCoy remains lodged in Christian County Jail under a $200,000 bond.
Meanwhile, the case of Keisha Stewart was also continued to December 22 for a preliminary hearing. Stewart was wanted by Kentucky State Police for questioning in connection with the Will Jackson Road murder case but has not been charged. Stewart was arrested by the Trigg County Sheriff’s Department, Friday, December 4 on a warrant for auto theft.
Stewart told Judge Redd her family is planning to hire an attorney, but she needed the services of a public defender in the meantime. Public defender Mary Rohrer was appointed to represent Stewart, who asked for a bond reduction. Judge Redd said he would consider the bond reduction for Stewart and rule on the request at a later time.
Stewart remains lodged in Christian County Jail under a $50,000 bond.
