Friday afternoon in Christian County Circuit Court, Rudolfo Amaya avoided a trial scheduled to start next week — and instead admitted he was guilty, but mentally ill, pertaining to the March 2023 shooting death of 43-year-old Dante Welch.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Cortese brought the agreement to record.
Amaya, meanwhile, confirmed with Atkins that he knowingly was entering his guilt, and that he wasn’t coerced to do so.
According to police, Amaya shot Welch on New Gritton Avenue in Oak Grove, following a dispute over loud music. The two were neighbors, and Welch was sitting in a vehicle when Amaya twice fired at Welch’s head, with Welch’s child in the backseat.
Defense Attorney Doug Moore affirmed that the psychology and psychiatry obtained by professionals during the pre-trial were fair and accurate, but needn’t be publicly shared.
Moore said there was also no question of Amaya’s competency, which was determined early in this case.
Amaya’s sentencing was scheduled for 11 AM March 12, and Cortese affirmed that several speakers — likely victim impact statements — wanted to be heard before the final levy came from Atkins.
