WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — A jury is has been chosen to hear the trial of the Mingo County man charged with killing a state police trooper but the defense is attempting a late ditch effort to get the trial moved to another location.
Jury selection in the case of Timothy Kennedy wrapped up Friday afternoon. The prosecution and defense agreed on 16 Mingo County residents to the hear the case, 12 jurors and four alternates.
Kennedy is charged in the June 2023 shooting death of State Police Sgt. Cory Maynard. Prosecutors allege Kennedy ambushed Maynard shortly after he arrived to investigate a call about another shooting involving Kennedy.
Kennedy’s attorneys Steve Mancini and Todd Houck filed three motions with the state Supreme Court Friday morning seeking a ruling from the Court, including a writ of prohibition, to overturn decisions by Butcher that have refused to move the trial to another county. The defense claims Butcher is ignoring information that’s gathered that shows a hostile sentiment in the county against Kennedy.
The defense is asking the High Court to make a quick decision.
The Supreme Court did issue an order Friday afternoon giving the prosecution by 8 a.m. Monday to file a response to the motions Kennedy’s attorneys. The prosecution did so before 5 p.m. Friday, opposing the defense’s claims.
The issue is now awaiting the High Court’s decision.
Meanwhile, Judge Butcher said Friday the trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Monday.