With mediation completed for one of two people charged in the death of an Oak Grove man nearly 14 months ago, the focus has now turned to the retrieval of financial records before the second one can be completed.
Ann Harrison was in Christian County Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon before Judge Andrew Self along with her attorney Stephanie Ritchie-Mize.
Harrison and Jacob Gilstrap were charged with murder, first-degree criminal abuse, and several other charges in connection to the death of Anthony Gilstrap, Sr. The charges are in connection to an investigation by Oak Grove Police that began when the elder Gilstrap was taken to the hospital on July 10, 2022, and was reportedly unresponsive with signs of severe neglect, gangrene, sepsis, an open wound with bones exposed, and pressure ulcers. He died a month later.
The police investigation also revealed the couple had put themselves as power of attorney over the man’s banking account and removed money from his account as well as started a life insurance policy for him.
Mize told the court Wednesday that Harrison was working to provide financial records that could provide insight into her defense.
click to download audioMize asked the court to adjust the conditions of Harrison’s ankle monitor so that she could go to Clarksville and retrieve those documents, which were removed from the home while Harrison was in jail.
click to download audioMize said those documents would be helpful as they try and mediate Harrison’s case instead of going to trial.
Gilstrap completed his mediation on August 14 and pled guilty to amended charges of wanton abuse, wanton exploitation of an adult, and eight counts of animal cruelty. He also saw his murder charge amended to reckless homicide. A total of 12 years in prison was recommended for Gilstrap, who will be sentenced in circuit court on September 13.
Court mediations are proceedings used to try and reach a settlement instead of a trial. They are not open to the public or the media.
