The trial of the suspected Marshall County School shooter could be delayed because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The trial of Gabe Parker was scheduled to take place in Christian County beginning June 1. He is accused of shooting fellow students at Marshall County High School on January 23, 2018. Two of the students died and several others were critically injured in the shooting.
WKMS reports indicate during a video hearing Monday Marshall County Commonwealths Attorney Dennis Foust said the trial might need to be delayed. He said is concerned about the ability to select a jury. Foust said he is also concerned that some of the expert witnesses in the case, who are doctors at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, would have to receive special permission to cross the state line to participate in the trial.
42nd Circuit Judge Jamie Jameson said a witness from out of state would have to be allowed by the court of the state to cross the state line to attend the hearings, but he is not sure that request would be granted right now. Jameson also said Kentucky Supreme Court Cheif Justice John Minton would have to issue orders concerning social distancing guidelines and a jury moratorium to allow the trial to take place. Judge Jameson said is hoping to hear a response by the end of the week from Justice Minton.
Both the Commonwealth and the defense are moving to continue the trial to a later date, but Judge Jameson said he is not sure if he can grant or deny that motion at this time.
