MURRAY, Ky. — Calloway County District Court Judge Randall Hutchens ruled Wednesday that there is sufficient probable cause to forward the cases of four suspects in a recent burglary to a grand jury. The burglary occurred in Murray on April 16 and involved various charges against the suspects.
Cameron Malone, 25, of Princeton, faces multiple charges, including first-degree burglary and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Kered James Miles, 18, from Carbondale, Illinois, is charged with first-degree burglary and third-degree fleeing or evading. Two additional suspects, Channon Catlett, 19, of Murray, and Marissa Asbridge, 18, of Madisonville, are both charged with complicity to first-degree burglary.
The suspects were arraigned last week and appeared for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. This hearing is designed to allow the court to review the evidence and determine if there is enough basis for the cases to proceed. Malone was charged by the Murray Police Department and the Murray State University Police Department, while the other three suspects were charged solely by the Murray Police.
During the preliminary hearing, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney James Burkeen noted adjustments to some charges based on new interpretations of Kentucky’s fleeing and evading statute. This resulted in Malone’s initial charge of first-degree fleeing or evading being amended to third-degree fleeing or evading. Similarly, Miles had his charge reduced from second-degree to third-degree fleeing or evading.
Burkeen also suggested that charges against Catlett and Asbridge be revised to reflect what he deemed a more accurate understanding of their implications in the case. This led to discussions surrounding the nature of their involvement in the alleged burglary.
Officer Michael Robinson of the Murray Police Department detailed the events leading up to the police response. An off-duty officer had observed individuals at an apartment complex around 3:08 p.m., prompting a dispatch call. Robinson testified that the officer saw three suspects engaging with the apartment’s front door before one of them forcibly entered the residence.
Once the suspects were apprehended, they were read their rights. Asbridge spoke with a detective, revealing that a male acquaintance had recently delivered food to the victim’s apartment and shared that a considerable amount of cash was present. The names of the delivery driver and the getaway car driver were withheld, as neither has been charged with any crime.
Robinson provided further insights, indicating that Malone was equipped with a handgun at the time the group returned to the car. The resident of the burglarized apartment reported stolen items, including an Xbox and marijuana. However, during their visit, officers found no evidence of drug trafficking.
Officer Justin Presley, who also testified, recounted his pursuit of Malone after he allegedly fled from a traffic stop. Presley observed Malone reach for his waistband and noted he discarded a handgun in a nearby area during the chase.
Defense counsel requested that charges related to first-degree burglary be dismissed, arguing that testimony did not prove a weapon was present during the incident. However, Burkeen countered that sufficient evidence warranted probable cause for first-degree burglary, a stance upheld by Judge Hutchens.
Hutchens amended the bail amounts for the defendants, citing the seriousness of the crime. Malone’s initial bond was reduced from $30,000 to $20,000, while the bonds for Miles, Catlett, and Asbridge decreased from $20,000 to $10,000. Should the grand jury indict the suspects, they are scheduled to be arraigned on May 19 in Calloway Circuit Court.
Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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