The case of James Martin, the man accused in the shooting that occurred at the Hopkinsville Walmart on August 23, is now heading the grand jury for consideration.
Martin appeared in Christian District Court Monday with defense attorney Sands Chewning, who informed the court that he and the prosecution agreed to waive the preliminary hearing and to amend Martin’s bond to allow him to be on an ankle monitor.
Judge Foster Cotthoff ruled that Martin, along with having no contact with the victims, must adhere to other restrictions while out on the ankle monitor.
The case now heads to the grand jury for consideration of indictment. Martin is charged with first-degree assault, wanton endangerment and receiving a stolen firearm.
As previously reported, Martin had reportedly grabbed and dragged a child toward a vehicle when an argument ensued between him and the child’s father—32-year old Wesley Beach of Hopkinsville during a custody exchange at Walmart.
That’s when Martin allegedly brandished a gun and shot Beach, who was treated for injuries to his chest and arm and then released from Jennie Stuart Medical Center.
Beach tried to return fire from his own weapon during the exchange in what appears to have been self-defense, according to police. Martin was not struck by gunfire.