Thursday afternoon will be a defining moment in the potential trial of Christian McKeel, Joshua Cotton and Jonathon Weston — a trio of co-defendants charged with various offenses related to the robbery and March 2022 murder of Hopkinsville’s Alijah Watts.
During Tuesday afternoon’s suppression hearing, Circuit Judge John Atkins ordered all parties to appear then, until all evidence issues and full discovery can be resolved before the trial starts next week.
These parties include Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen, defense attorneys Eric Bearden, Brandi Jones and Angela Troutman, as well as Hopkinsville Police Department Detective Robert Stucki.
It was a meeting that was supposed to have already occurred, but Atkins ended all doubt and ordered it so.
Bolen has repeatedly stated, both Tuesday and prior, that she’s had to build this case “by scratch” — following its passing off from former Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling.
Some recent jail calls, admissible or not, drew the ire of Atkins.
Bolen also noted everyone “was in the same boat.” Atkins sought clarity.
Bolen said she’s “just as frustrated” as everyone else, but that defense attorneys have had more time with their clients in preparation for the case — a case, she said, she’s confident in trying with all three defendants in tow.
Jones, however, wasn’t pleased.
Atkins stated he’s “gravely concerned” on the management of the trial and what could eventually be suppressed, but that he was fine with presiding over a three-defendant trial.
Furthermore, he did note in the record he would be accepting Watts’ “dying declaration” as admissible, because it meets the criteria of Kentucky’s Court of Law.
It’s a video from Watts — one that clearly names his assailants.
McKeel, Cotton, Weston and their defenders also appeared together in a suppression hearing last week. This was from that continuation, and Thursday’s extended efforts will also discuss some specific statements from McKeel garnered through investigation.
Atkins said he will continue to seek the integrity of the trial and discovery process — and made a nod to Cotton’s file and some indicated concerns from Jones.
The trial is supposed to begin September 25. According to HPD, Cotton allegedly shot Watts during an attempted robbery at Casey’s General Store. Detectives said McKeel and Weston helped lure Watts there, and McKeel is also accused of helping Cotton and Weston leave the scene.
