Hearing held for Boulevard murder suspects

A brief hearing was held Wednesday morning in Christian Circuit Court for the three suspects charged in connection with the March 2 killing of 19-year old Alijah Watts at Casey’s General Store on Fort Campbell Boulevard.

Hopkinsville police allege 20-year old Christian McKeel drove 17-year old Jonathan Weston and 16-year old Joshua Cotton to Casey’s with intent to commit a robbery. A detective testified earlier this year that a struggle ensued during the attempted robbery and that’s when Watts was shot in the abdomen.

McKeel appeared in person and attorneys for him and Weston told Circuit Judge John Atkins and the commonwealth they intend to soon file new bond motions.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling and defense attorney Brandi Jones agreed with setting the next court date outside of the potential bond arguments for September.

Judge Atkins scheduled a hearing for September 14 and told lawyers to coordinate with their clients, each other and the court for a bond hearing date.

All three defendants remain in custody—with the two juveniles charged with murder and McKeel charged with complicity to murder.