In what was a unique scenario Thursday morning at Christian County Circuit Court, Commonwealth’s Attorney Maureen Leamy, Judge John Atkins and Defense Attorney Doug Moore worked through a hybrid straight/Alford plea for Hopkinsville’s Debbie Elliott.
Last spring, she was indicted by the Christian County Grand Jury on manslaughter, and several other charges, related to the December 8, 2023, death of Gladys Henry.
According to Hopkinsville Police, Elliott provided fentanyl and methamphetamine to Henry, who was later found dead from a drug overdose on West 20th Street. Police said then that Elliott admitted to smoking said drugs with Henry before her death, and at the time of detainment, Elliott was also accused of pulling away from officers while kicking one, before she eventually taken into custody.
Moore offered clarity to the court.
Leamy, meanwhile, put forth the agreement.
Leamy noted the Commonwealth opposed her probation, but did agree to return Elliott “in full.”
Because she pleaded guilty to a pair of Class D felonies, Moore did ask for her release pending sentencing. Elliott has already served 14 months in jail, and as such is already parole and probation eligible.
Also, Moore said she was willing to wear an ankle monitor through grant funding, but couldn’t post a cash bond, and that she would stay with her fiance until summoned.
Atkins released her on her own recognizance, but with a caveat.
Final sentencing has been set for April 9.
