Man wants to withdraw manslaughter guilty plea, plus other Fayette court updates
Two cases involving Lexington homicides moved through the court system in December as defendants were sentenced or tried to withdraw their plea.
Developments included a Lexington man whose murder charge was dismissed, and a man who is attempting to withdraw his guilty plea to a charge of manslaughter, saying it was made involuntarily.
Here are updates on court cases previously covered by the Herald-Leader.
Man asks to withdraw manslaughter plea
A man who was originally charged with murder pleaded guilty to an amended charge that he’s now asking a judge to throw out.
Sean Eschol Smith, 56, claims his former plea to an amended charge of manslaughter was not made voluntarily, and is asking Fayette Circuit Judge Diane Minnifield to reconsider.
Smith was charged in 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.
Court documents state a witness saw Smith shot and kill Palmaiter.
In a Dec. 8 motion, Smith’s attorney, Herb West, said that Smith was not able to plead voluntarily due to cognitive medical issues, and could have claimed self-defense.
However, Fayette prosecutors said Smith’s claims were vague, and during his colloquy — a conversation with the judge to ensure a plea is made knowingly — Smith was aware and did not indicate medical issues at the hearing.
Minnifield has not ruled on Smith’s request, but a hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27.
Murder charge dismissed, defense claims lack of evidence
A man originally charged with murder had his charge dismissed and received a sentence of probation following a Dec. 9 hearing.
Shawn Blanks, 55, was charged with murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon in connection with the death of Maurice Elliott.
But the murder charge against Blanks was dismissed, according to a sentencing document filed in December.
Blanks appeared in court Oct. 31 and pleaded guilty to charges of possession of cocaine and theft of identity without consent.
According to court documents, his murder charge and felon in possession of a handgun charges were dismissed at his sentencing.
He faced three years in prison, but Fayette Chief Judge Kimberly Bunnell sentenced him to five years of probation. He is required to enter a residential drug treatment program and maintain gainful employment.
Elliott, 63, was shot just before 2 p.m. Dec. 26, 2024, outside a laundromat in the 400 block of Newtown Pike. He later died at a hospital.
Detectives used the real-time intelligence center and Fusus cameras to identify Blanks, according to police.
It was unclear why the charges were dismissed, but in a motion filed by defense attorneys, they claimed prosecutors had a “lack of evidence.”
