Possible new evidence was the main topic of discussion during a hearing in Trigg Circuit Court Wednesday for murder suspect James McCoy, who is charged in the 2020 death of 81-year-old Thelma “Ileen” Barnett.
McCoy appeared before Circuit Judge C.A. Woody Woodall along with his defense attorneys and Commonwealth’s Attorney Carrie Ovey-Wiggins, who informed the court that a hair was found that she wishes to have tested by the FBI—but it would destroy the hair.
The defense was against having it tested, because the FBI does not allow observers—experts or otherwise—to be present for their testing procedures.
Judge Woodall did not rule on the motion Wednesday, saying he will gather more information on the testing procedures and determine a best way to move forward soon.
McCoy’s co-defendant, Kiesha Stewart, was also present Wednesday and her attorney requested her bond be modified to better allow Stewart to review the evidence in the case against her, but Ovey-Wiggins objected, saying the seriousness of the crime is reason enough.
Judge Woodall did not make a ruling on whether bond would be modified for Stewart or not Wednesday. McCoy is charged with murder, kidnapping, second-degree arson, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and first-degree burglary. McCoy allegedly tied 81-year old Thelma “Ilene” Barnett’s hands behind her back and then strangled her to death at her home on Will Jackson Road on September 14. KSP says he returned that night and set her home on fire with her body still inside.
Stewart is charged with complicity to second-degree arson, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.
