New trial date set for Oak Grove murder suspect

A new trial date was set Monday morning in Christian Circuit Court for Leonardo Miller, one of two men charged with the 2016 murder of 19-year old De’Andre Palmer in Oak Grove.

Trial had been set to begin Monday for Miller, but COVID protocols prevent any jury trials before June 1.

Judge John Atkins rescheduled Miller’s trial date for August 9—after co-defendant Dequavion James’ trial has ended.

Judge Atkins noted he could arrange for mediation between the parties by a retired judge if they wanted to continue to work toward a potential resolution outside of trial and defense attorney Clayton Brown and Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling said they are open to that possibility.

Both sides agreed there are no issues regarding evidence that would delay trial.

Arrest warrants for Miller and James allege they fatally shot Palmer in July of 2016. Police say they took cash and other items from Palmer’s pockets before putting his body in a closet. Palmer’s body was later moved from the residence and it was discovered a few days later by an Oak Grove police officer near Ghost Bridge on Carter Road.