The first jury trial in Christian County since the pandemic began is set for May 3 in the case of Travis Mayes—the Cadiz man accused of shooting Darrell Bateman at East Second and Vine Street in February of last year.
Judge John Atkins went over COVID protocols ordered by the Kentucky Supreme Court during a hearing Tuesday morning, noting everyone involved will be required to wear a mask—except witnesses who will be boxed in with plexi-glass as they testify.
There will be traditional jury selection, potential jurors will be able to express any concerns they have regarding COVID-19 and bench conferences will be held in the judge’s chambers.
Mayes and attorney Doug Moore voiced concerns about not being able to meet in-person at the jail due to COVID protocols. Judge John Atkins agreed to sign an order for Mayes to be brought over to the Justice Center during business hours, but said he’d have to confer with jail leadership before ordering that facility to allow any meetings and talk to security about potential weekend meetings at the courthouse.
Judge Atkins encouraged Moore and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen to continue negotiations toward a potential resolution, but Bolen said they aren’t close.
The judge noted that the trial will look different than it would have before the pandemic, but he believes it can be conducted safely and fairly for all parties.
Mayes is charged with first-degree assault.