Murder suspect's mental state likely issue

Posted: 12:00am on Mar 13, 2009; Modified: 3:53am on Nov 25, 2010

  • Wilburn funeral

    Arrangements for Jeffrey Wilburn's funeral are being handled by Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 E. Main St.

    Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. His funeral is at 10 a.m. Saturday followed by burial at Lexington Cemetery.

A day after a woman allegedly shot and killed her neighbor, her attorney expressed doubt her client would ever stand trial.

"I'm not confident she will ever be found" competent to be tried for murder, said Kate Dunn, attorney for Latarra N. Martin, a mother and unsigned local hip-hop artist who goes by the name "Doll Baby."

On Wednesday, just before noon, Martin allegedly shot and killed Jeffrey Wilburn, who lived across the hall from her at the Lakeshore Apartments, 209 Lakeshore Drive. Witnesses said Martin banged on Wilburn's door, said she needed to speak with him and a few moments later began shooting. She also allegedly tried to shoot some of the witnesses, but had run out of bullets.

Police, who arrested her about 30 minutes later, had no motive for the shooting.

Arrest records in Fayette District Court indicate Martin admitted to police she shot Wilburn, who later died at University of Kentucky Hospital. He lived at the apartments and was also the building's maintenance supervisor.

At an arraignment Thursday afternoon, Dunn entered a not-guilty plea for Martin, who remained at the Fayette County jail and took part via video.

Officials who conducted a preliminary mental evaluation of Martin at the jail Wednesday night recommended a more extensive evaluation at Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center in La Grange, said Judge Maria Ransdell.

The judge set a preliminary hearing on some evidence next week in district court, but Dunn later said it was doubtful that would take place.

"She has some mental disturbance that needs to be addressed," Dunn said. She declined to elaborate, but said someone could be held at the correctional psychiatric center for evaluation for up to 60 days, or longer on request.

Martin's three young children are staying with a grandparent, Dunn said.

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