Trial a go for Grayson man accused of plotting death of police, witness
Apr. 16—GRAYSON — A Grayson man previously convicted of shooting an 81-year-old was back in Carter County Circuit Court on Monday as he nears a trial date for allegedly soliciting the murder of two Kentucky State Troopers and a witness.
In October 2018, KSP began investigating the murder of 81-year-old Bradley Duncan, of Olive Hill, and quickly named Matthew Kelley, 34, as the suspect.
Per previous reports, in the early morning of Oct. 7, 2018, Kelley fatally shot Duncan, his step-grandfather, after a verbal altercation at a residence near Grahn.
Kelley was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in February of this year.
Outstanding charges persist for Kelley, as he was also accused in July 2019 of requesting the murder of a detective and a KSP trooper working Bradley's homicide case.
Previous reports state Kelley also attempted to solicit the murder of a supposed witness ahead of a possible trial, but his plea in February resolved the case before it was presented to a jury.
However, Kelley is scheduled to face a jury again for the alleged follow-up felonies on April 30.
On Monday, Carter Circuit Judge Rebecca Phillips said she needs all attorneys present to determine what will be presented to that jury as Kelley appeared in-person alongside public defender Christina Smith.
According to Phillips, Brandon West from the Department of Public Advocacy also represents Kelley, but due to scheduling conflicts, West could not appear.
Phillips said with the nearing trial date, Kelley would be lodged in the Carter County Detention Center until his trial, providing easier access for attorney visits.
According to online inmate information, Kelley was held in the Roederer Assessment Center near La Grange awaiting inmate classification prior to his transfer back to Carter County.
Kelley will reappear before Judge Phillips next Tuesday.
(606) 326-2652 — mjepling@dailyindependent.com
