Another trial date has been set for a man accused of killing a Clarksville teen and dumping his body on the side of a road in Oak Grove nearly five years ago.
Leonardo Miller is charged with murder, first-degree robbery, and tampering with physical evidence from a July 20, 2016 incident where Miller and Deqavion James are accused of fatally shooting 19-year-old DeAndre Palmer. The men then reportedly hid Palmer’s body in a closet before eventually dumping his body on the side of Carter Road near Ghost Bridge.
Miller’s defense attorney, Clayton Brown, told Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins they would like to continue the trial date. As the News Edge previously reported, Miller’s case was set to go to trial in April, but the trial was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After hearing when Brown and Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling would be available for the trial, Judge Atkins set the trial date for November 29 through December 3.
James, the co-defendant in the case, plead guilty to an amended charge of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree robbery, and tampering with physical evidence. The plea agreement was reached and entered on June 28, with final sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday morning, August 4 at 11:00.
During Thursday’s court appearance, Miller asked Judge Atkins if anything else could be done in the case, as he has spent nearly five years in jail.
Miller added he is not a threat to the community.
Judge Atkins told Miller he would review his bond next week. Following the comments, Boling said the Commonwealth had provided multiple offers that include a life sentence for the charges.
