Brian Ellis, the man who recently took a plea deal in relation to a shooting incident that occurred in September, has until Monday to show proof of being positive for COVID-19.
Ellis had originally been charged with attempted murder, but that charge was dismissed when he entered an Alford plea to seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, fleeing or evading police, tampering with evidence and trafficking in methamphetamine. He was set for final sentencing Wednesday morning in the Christian Circuit Court room of Judge John Atkins, but public defender Rick Sanborne says his client was unable to logon virtually and has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jared Smith says that’s a convenient excuse and he will need to see proof, with his office likely to request a bench warrant.
Judge Atkins gave Ellis until Monday morning at 10 a.m. to provide proof of a positive result, and he needs to be ready to stand for final sentencing in his cases. Sentences for most of the counts run concurrently and bring the total to 15 years. An Alford plea means the defendant maintains his innocence, but acknowledges there is likely enough evidence to result in a conviction had the case gone to trial.
The Christian County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call in the 2900 block of Dawson Springs Road on September 1 and soon received a second call of gunfire in the 10000 block of Hart Road that struck a vehicle.
Police say Ellis fired the gunshots from his car into the Dawson Springs Road home and into the vehicle on Hart Road. A man and woman who were in the house and vehicle were not injured in the shootings.