The defense team for alleged murderer and Illinois man Harold Jett again stated Wednesday morning in Trigg County Circuit Court a need to possibly delay or vacate a trial date that’s been set for August.
On the task for less than two months now, Amie Martinez of Madisonville and Rick Lawniczak of Nicholasville, Jett’s defenders, both noted a team meeting later this week would bring more clarity about a timeline in which they would be aptly prepared for his trial.
And it’s one in which the Commonwealth will work to provide the burden of proof required surrounding the October 2021 strangulation death of 71-year-old Hilltop Street resident and Jett’s aunt, Mary Dullenty.
Jett was set to be defended by public advocacy lawyer Michael Bufkin, but those duties have since shifted.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Carrie Ovey-Wiggins called this situation a “tough position,” with no fault coming to current counsel.
She said she was sympathetic to the matter, and further agreed that a hasty trial with lackluster, ineffective defense could lead to an adverse effect — be that a mistrial or an appeal.
However, she also ushered that this matter “needs to be resolved, sooner rather than later” — due to the seriousness of the charges.
Judge Jamus Redd agreed, and for the moment is keeping the current trial date at August 21.
Jett’s next appearance in court was set for 9 AM, March 8.
Along with charges of murder and first-degree strangulation, Jett has also been pointed with first-degree evading police, speeding 26 miles an hour or greater and first-degree burglary. Jett was arrested at Dullenty’s residence.
He remains incarcerated at the Christian County Jail on a bond of $1 million.
