The man charged with murder in the shooting death of Corvyan Thomas on Bethel Street on January 24 had his case sent to the grand jury following a preliminary hearing in Christian District Court Monday.
Appearing with public defender Brandi Jones, 22-year old Shakkory Willis is charged with murder, second-degree unlawful transaction with a minor and now first-degree burglary. The amendment from first-degree robbery came at the recommendation of the County Attorney’s Office following a preliminary hearing last week of other defendants involved in the incident.
Hopkinsville Police Department Detective Randall Green says the incident began as a robbery attempt and ended with Dylan Stewart being shot in the leg and in the death of Thomas due to gunshot wounds.
Detective Green says Willis was identified through a photo lineup and by the other suspects as the alleged shooter.
He described the wounds that killed Thomas, saying he was shot three times.
Detective Green states that of the six suspects involved, Willis and a 14-year old juvenile were the ones armed during the incident. Co-defendant James Yates is accused of holding down Stewart during the course of the crime, while co-defendant Lane Carter is charged with driving the suspects to and from the location on Bethel. The 14-year old juvenile and two other juveniles have been arrested in connection with the case. Willis turned himself in last week.
Judge Foster Cotthoff left Willis’ bond at $1 million dollars and sent the case on to the grand jury for review.