Jury convicts man for murder, plus other Fayette Co. court updates
Two cases involving Central Kentucky homicides moved through the court system in July as defendants were convicted or pleaded guilty to their crimes.
Developments included a Lexington man convicted for the death of a 57-year-old man in 2022, and a man who pleaded guilty for his part to a fatal shooting in August 2022. Here are updates on court cases previously covered by the Herald-Leader.
Jury convicts man of murder in July trial
A jury convicted a Lexington man of murder at the conclusion of a four-day trial in July.
Steven Smith, 35, was convicted of murder and acquitted for a charge of assault domestic violence for the death of 57-year-old Clarence Adams in September 2022.
Smith was originally charged with murder, fourth degree assault, two counts of wanton endangerment, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Smith also assaulted a woman prior to the shooting, according to court testimony made Friday.
Charges presented at trial were murder, fourth degree assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The latter charge was dismissed by prosecutors, according to court documents.
The shooting occurred at Smith’s house on Devonia Avenue just before 6 p.m. on September 8, 2022.
Officers were responding to a report of a disorder with a weapon and when they arrived, they found Adams dead from a gunshot wound.
A woman and child were present during the shooting and met officers outside the residence when they arrived, according to Music. Smith was arrested on scene.
The woman told officers she had gotten into a verbal argument with Smith and he kicked her into the stomach, Lexington detectives previously said.
Adams, who is the woman’s father, intervened in the argument but backed off to call police after Smith pointed a handgun at him.
Smith faces 35 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3.
Man pleads guilty to amended charges
A man who was originally charged with murder pleaded guilty to an amended charge of manslaughter this month, court documents show.
Sean Eschol Smith, 56, entered a guilty plea for an ameded charge of manslaughter and wanton endagerment for the death of James Allen Palmaiter, 44, in August 2022.
Palmaiter was shot and killed near the 1800 block of Augusta Drive, according to the coroner’s office.
Officers were responding to a report of a subject down and found a dead male with a gunshot wound on scene, according to Anderson.
Smith faces 18 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 12.
