There could be yet another delay in the case of a Hopkinsville woman charged with complicity to murder in the death of Calvin Taylor in October 2020.
Larayna Manning was set to stand trial in December in the death of Taylor, who was found dead inside his North Kentucky Avenue home.
In December, Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling filed a motion to continue the trial to allow for the testing of DNA found on the duct tape used to bound Taylor’s hands and mouth before his death.
All parties were ready to go to trial in December by Christian County Circuit Judge Andrew Self agreed to postpone the trial because that could be a potential piece of critical evidence.
During a pre-trial conference in circuit court Wednesday, Boling said he is close to receiving the final DNA report but that hairs were found on the suspected murder weapon by lab technicians that don’t belong to the victim and require further testing.
click to download audioJudge Self ruled against vacating the August 8 trial date to see if the new testing would be received before then but added the first DNA test results need to be received immediately.
click to download audioManning has had several prior trial dates moved or postponed for a variety of reasons. Her court-appointed attorney tested positive for COVID-19 last September. This came after Judge Self denied a defense motion alleging prosecutorial misconduct by Boling for filing an intent to seek the death penalty after Manning exercised her right to a fair and speedy trial.
A December trial date was quashed after Manning’s son Anthony entered an Alford plea to facilitation to first-degree facilitation of complicity to commit murder and robbery with each charge carrying a five-year sentence to run concurrently. Judge Self said at the time that Anthony Manning’s plea changed the dynamic of the trial.
After it was apparent there would be another delay, Manning’s court-appointed attorney Doug Moore asked for a reduction in bond from the previously set $500,000.
click to download audioDespite opposition from Boling, who called Manning a flight risk, Judge Self agreed to the reduced bond.
click to download audioNo other court date was set with all sides hoping the August 8 trial date comes off as scheduled.
