A Hopkinsville man, charged with a 2021 double murder, was set to enter a plea in Christian Circuit Court on Thursday afternoon but declined to accept the amended offer he had previously requested.
Anthony Gaines is charged with the deaths of George Gomez and Kiera Wallace, who were found inside a home on Peach Street on August 7, 2021.
Gaines, along with his attorney’s Brandi Jones and Kevin Coleman and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Cortese, appeared before Circuit Judge Andrew Self on Thursday afternoon. Jones explained to Judge Self the amended plea agreement requested by Gaines.
click to download audioShe added that the prosecution had provided her with an updated plea agreement, which she noted would all be guilty pleas pursuant to North Carolina vs. Alford.
After corresponding with Gaines on Thursday and engaging in further discussions, Jones stated that that he declined the new plea offer.
click to download audioCortese informed Judge Self that the prosecution was withdrawing the plea deal and they would proceed to trial. Following this statement, Judge Self inquired directly with Gaines regarding the offer.
click to download audioCortese stated that no new plea offer would be presented, and the death penalty remains on the table.
click to download audioThe pretrial conference originally scheduled for next week was vacated and has been rescheduled to 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 9th.
Gaines is scheduled for trial on July 14.
In addition to the murder charges, Gaines is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary,
possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and four counts of first-degree wanton endangerment. He remains lodged in the Christian County Jail on a $1 million cash bond.
