The trial of Leon Lamont Grimes ended not much longer after it began Monday morning when he, alongside his attorney Ted Shouse, entered a “guilty” plea to Judge Andrew Self.
Originally indicted for the July 4, 2021, murder of 28-year-old Calvin Buckner at a Hopkinsville party on Hazel Street, Grimes instead agreed to amended charges — second-degree manslaughter, which brings 10 years, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, which brings five years.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen asked for Self to consider these be served consecutively, when the sentencing hearing takes place at 1 PM, August 30.
Grimes was in court twice last week in preparation for this trial, including an evidentiary hearing last Thursday — which involved testimony from witnesses at the party where the incident occurred.
During last Wednesday’s hearing, Bolen said the murder weapon had been found under Buckner, but Shouse disagreed, noting he had seen the body cam video and maintained Buckner’s gun was found by police in the waistband of his client.
A bond modification for Grimes was denied in April, and three previous trial dates had been postponed up until this week.
