Central KY mother sentenced for death of infant, plus other Fayette court updates
Court cases stemming from several Central Kentucky homicides moved through the court system in June as defendants received their sentences.
Developments included Lexington parents being sentenced for the death of their 2-month-old infant, and a man sentenced for his part in the death of an 80-year-old.
Here are updates on court cases previously covered by the Herald-Leader.
Parents plead guilty, one sentenced for death of infant
A set of Lexington parents are facing limited jail time for their role in the death of their 2-month-old baby in June 2023.
Rahar Rai, 31, and Chendra Magar, 34, were charged with manslaughter and child abuse March 2024 — nearly a year after their child was found dead at a Centre Parkway apartment with deep bite marks on his face and extremities that were at different stages of healing.
Magar, the child’s father, was sentenced June 3 for two amended charges of third-degree child abuse. He entered an Alford plea in May.
Defendants who enter an Alford plea do not admit guilt but acknowledge there is enough evidence to convict them.
Rai also entered an Alford plea for amended charges of reckless homicide and third-degree child abuse. She faces two years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 10.
An autopsy revealed the baby had several internal injuries, including bleeding and bruising, that were at different stages of healing, according to court documents.
Rai admitted to seeing the infant’s 4-year-old sibling abuse the baby one week before he died, according to the documents. Her arrest citation said she did not seek medical attention for the baby.
Magar told authorities he did not notice the infant’s injuries, according to his arrest citation.
Man sentenced in killing of an 80-year-old
A man accused of killing an 80-year-old inside his home in Sept. 2023 was sentenced to 10 years in prison for an amended charge of manslaughter.
James Bradburn III, 61, was originally charged with murder in the death of 80-year-old Arliss Stewart. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree manslaughter as part of a plea deal in January.
Lexington police began their homicide investigation at a residence at the 600 block of Marshall Lane when Bradburn refused to leave the home.
When police were able to enter, Stewart was dead at the scene with a gunshot wound.
Bradburn’s arrest citation says he approached Stewart and shot a hole in the floor. A struggle ensued before Bradburn shot Stewart, according to the citation.
Bradburn’s listed address on his arrest citation is the same address as where Stewart was pronounced dead by the coroner’s office.
