Attorney General Russell Coleman spoke to the media on Monday following a court hearing on his office’s motion to dismiss the primary legal roadblock to impose the death penalty in Kentucky.
On Monday, the Attorney General’s Principal Deputy Attorney General Jack Heyburn argued before Franklin Circuit Court. He argued for the dismissal of a 2006 case which is at the center of the 15-year ban on executions in Kentucky.
A dismissal of the case would clear the way for about a dozen executions.
“I am standing here today as the attorney general of this commonwealth to tell victims and surviving families that they are not forgotten. Justice has been tragically delayed, but we’re fighting hard to make sure it is not denied,” Coleman said.
Coleman was joined by members of the law enforcement team who investigated the 1992 murders of Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe by Ralph Baze, who was sentenced to death 30 years ago and remains on Kentucky’s death row because of the injunction.
“From the moment handcuffs were put on him, Ralph Baze never disputed his involvement and never showed remorse. Ralph Baze was sentenced to death twice, once for each of the lives he had taken. I’m grateful for Attorney General Coleman and all those who have done their part to deliver long overdue justice,” said Bobby Motley, a retired KSP detective, who investigated the case.
State Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, whose district includes Powell County, also spoke on the importance of delivering justice in the case of the slain officers.
“Our commonwealth promised to deliver justice to the families of Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Briscoe. It’s time for the governor to fulfill that commitment,” Smith said. “I’m proud to join Attorney General Coleman in this fight for Kentucky law enforcement and families. The AG’s strong leadership has brought this delay to light and will, hopefully, make justice a reality.”
There is no timeline for when a Franklin Circuit Court judge will rule on the dismissal.
(Photo: Attorney General Russell Coleman speaks to members of the media outside the Franklin County Courthouse Monday afternoon, courtesy of the attorney general’s office)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
