Woman accused of killing boyfriend, stealing bucket truck is arraigned on nine charges

Judge T. Bruce Bell entered a plea of not guilty Monday for Vanessa A. Napier, who was charged with murder after a 40-mile pursuit in a stolen bucket truck.

The man whose weekend stabbing death was tied to the bucket truck theft and chase was identified Monday as John A. Sharp, 53, of Lexington. Fayette County Deputy Coroner John Cox released Sharp's name.

Sharp, who was Napier's boyfriend, was found late Saturday night outside his home at 5993 Athens Walnut Hill Road, according to the coroner's report and court records.

The records indicate that Sharp was killed with "dangerous instruments" about 11 p.m. Thursday.

Sharp died from multiple stab wounds to his chest, according to the coroner's office.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Napier, 32, allegedly stole the bucket truck Friday morning at a BP gas station on Athens-Boonesboro Road at Interstate 75, according to court records. When the driver of the truck, Anthony Popham, tried to stop Napier, she fought him and accelerated, dragging him several feet before he let go.

Popham, who was injured, was driven to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital by a private vehicle, according to records.

Napier led police on a chase into Madison County and back to Fayette County, according to records. In her attempt to escape, Napier crashed into a state police cruiser, according to records.

Police arrested Napier Friday afternoon at 150 East Main Street, according to the records. She refused to identify herself and gave police the false name of Mary Anne Robinson.

Police filed nine charges against Napier:

■ Murder

■ Tampering with evidence

■ Robbery

■ Fleeing police

■ Two counts of wanton endangerment

■ Driving under the influence

■ Driving on a suspended or revoked license

■ Criminal mischief

Napier is being held at Fayette County jail. Bell did not set bond because of the murder charge.

This story was originally published July 6, 2015 at 11:07 AM with the headline "Woman accused of killing boyfriend, stealing bucket truck is arraigned on nine charges."