Associated Press
MOUNT STERLING
July 16, 2008 05:01 pm
—
A jury has convicted a Kentucky man accused of fatally shooting the small-town police chief who was taking him to jail in his squad car.
Jurors found 38-year-old Jamie Barnett guilty Wednesday of wanton murder in the June 2007 death of Clay City Police Chief Randy Lacy.
Lacy's killing shocked the town east of Louisville because he was known as an officer who treated everyone with respect: He even handcuffed familiar prisoners like Barnett in front rather than behind the back.
Officials say Lacy was shot point-blank in the back of his head with his own gun.
Prosecutors asked jurors to convict Barnett of intentional murder, which could have led to the death penalty.
Defense attorneys argued for lesser charges of wanton murder or manslaughter.
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Photos
Jamie Barnett looks to the camera during his murder trial held at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Mt. Sterling, Ky., Tuesday, July, 15, 2008. Jurors found Barnnett guilty Wednesday of shooting a small-town police chief.
The Herald-Leader
Clay City Police Chief Randy Lacy is shown in this undated photo taken in Clay City, Ky. Clay City Times