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Progress in Central Kentucky Homicide Cases

Courtroom filled with people reflecting a community dealing with homicide cases

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News Summary

Recent weeks have seen significant developments in homicide cases across Central Kentucky. A Fayette County grand jury decided not to indict Jon’Tay Mattingly for the shooting death of a teenager, while two young men pleaded guilty to lesser charges linked to another murder. Additionally, James Bradburn accepted a manslaughter plea in connection with the death of an elderly man. These cases reflect the ongoing struggles of the community with violence and the pursuit of justice.

Central Kentucky Homicide Cases Make Progress in Court

In the heart of Central Kentucky, January saw notable advancements in several homicide cases, as guilty pleas were entered and some charges were dismissed. It’s been a particularly turbulent time for the community as the legal system grapples with these serious matters.

Grand Jury Decision for Jon’Tay Mattingly

A significant development came when a Fayette County grand jury decided not to indict 19-year-old Jon’Tay Mattingly regarding the tragic shooting death of 17-year-old Kenlon Johnson, which occurred in March 2024. Mattingly had been arrested only seven months after this unfortunate incident and was considered a key player in what police described as a setup that ultimately led to Johnson’s death.

The scene drew attention, especially as surveillance footage captured Mattingly and four others arriving in a stolen vehicle. However, what left many puzzled was that only four individuals were seen leaving the scene. The actual shooting was not caught on tape, leading Detective Hunter Wilks to admit he was unable to confirm who actually fired the shot during his questioning. On January 8, the charges against Mattingly were officially dismissed by the grand jury, leaving many in the community seeking closure.

Plea Deals for Roland and Stevenson

Meanwhile, the legal waters were choppy for two other young men: 22-year-old Michael Roland and 20-year-old Larry Stevenson III. Both pleaded guilty to lesser charges connected to the murder of 18-year-old Montaye Mullins, who was shot back in March 2021. Initially, these two were facing serious charges, both murder and robbery, after being found in a car close to the crime scene with an alarming stash of firearms and bags of marijuana.

In a turn of events during their court appearances, both Roland and Stevenson entered Alford pleas for second-degree complicity to manslaughter. This plea doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges that enough evidence exists for a potential conviction. Fortunately for them, the robbery charges were dismissed as part of their plea agreements. It’s expected that Roland will face a total of six years for the manslaughter charge, along with an additional two years stemming from a separate theft charge in Fayette County. Their sentencing hearing is set for February 28, and many are eager to see how the court will deal with their cases.

James Bradburn’s Plea in Manslaughter Case

In another heartbreaking case, 60-year-old James Bradburn recently accepted a guilty plea for second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of 80-year-old Arliss Stewart, which occurred in September 2023. Initially, Bradburn faced more severe murder charges due to the nature of Stewart’s death, which shocked many in the community when police found Stewart deceased at home after he refused to leave the premises.

As a result of this plea, Bradburn is looking at a 10-year prison sentence, with a hearing on sentencing scheduled for March 13. The complexities of these cases not only showcase the challenges faced by law enforcement but also the ripple effect these incidents have on families and the broader community.

The Community’s Response

For the residents in Central Kentucky, the outcomes of these court cases are just the latest chapters in ongoing struggles with violence and tragedy. While some find solace in the judicial process, others continue to yearn for justice and healing. As more hearings loom on the horizon, all eyes will remain keenly focused on how these matters unfold in the courtroom and beyond.