Bond will remain $100,000 cash for one of the minors charged in connection with the March 2 killing of 19-year old Alijah Watts at Casey’s General Store on Fort Campbell Boulevard.
Public defender Angela Troutman represents 17-year old Jonathan Weston and noted his lack of criminal history and good conduct at the Juvenile Detention Center in McCracken County.
She says his brother and one of two co-defendants, 16-year old Joshua Cotton, has not behaved as well while in custody and his grandmother would not allow Cotton to live in her home again. She also described Cotton as being ‘more culpable’ in the crime.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling says the victim’s family and the Commonwealth both oppose any bond reduction.
Judge John Atkins noted Weston and Cotton could potentially be up for the death penalty if they had been adults when arrested due to the murder happening during the course of a robbery. He left Weston’s bond at $100,000 cash, determining him to be a danger to the community.
Hopkinsville police allege 20-year old Christian McKeel drove Weston and 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 fatally shot in the abdomen.
All three defendants remain in custody—with the two juveniles charged with murder and McKeel charged with complicity to murder.