AG Office Urges Court to Dismiss Roadblock to Legal Executions in Kentucky
By Editorial Team
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Attorney General Russell Coleman is pushing for the removal of a major obstacle hindering legal executions in Kentucky. Coleman addressed the media following a court hearing where his office sought the dismissal of a case that has prevented the implementation of the death penalty in the state for the past 15 years.
Since assuming office in 2024, Coleman has prioritized delivering justice to Kentucky families who have long awaited closure. The Attorney General’s Principal Deputy Attorney General, Jack Heyburn, presented arguments before the Franklin Circuit Court, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
The legal team is advocating for the dismissal of a 2006 case central to the moratorium on executions in the Commonwealth. If successful, this move would pave the way for approximately a dozen executions to proceed.
Coleman stated, “I am standing here today as the Attorney General of this Commonwealth to tell victims and surviving families that they are not forgotten. Justice has been tragically delayed, but we’re fighting hard to make sure it is not denied.”
Members of the law enforcement team involved in the investigation of the 1992 murders of Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Sheriff Arthur Briscoe stood alongside Coleman during the proceedings. The perpetrator, sentenced to death three decades ago, remains on Kentucky’s Death Row due to the injunction stemming from the 2006 case.
Bobby Motley, a retired KSP detective who worked on the case, expressed gratitude for the efforts to bring long-overdue justice. State Senator Brandon Smith (R-Hazard) echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to deliver justice to the families of the slain officers.
Lewis County Sheriff and President of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association, Johnny Bivens, commended General Coleman for supporting law enforcement and advocating for justice in the case of Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Sheriff Briscoe.
There is currently no set timeline for when a ruling on the dismissal will be made by the Franklin Circuit Court. The Attorney General’s office remains dedicated to pursuing legal executions in Kentucky and providing closure to affected families.
