Rudolfo Amaya appeared in Christian Circuit Court on Friday and pled guilty but mentally ill to the 2023 fatal shooting of Dante Welch in Oak Grove.
Amaya’s case was originally set for trial on January 21. Circuit Judge John Atkins asked Amaya questions to ensure he wanted to proceed with a guilty plea.
Amaya had a murder charge against him, but instead pled guilty but mentally ill to the amended charge of second-degree manslaughter and first-degree wanton endangerment. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Cortese says the charges come with a recommended sentence of 15 years. Â
Amaya’s defense attorney, Doug Moore says Amaya’s plea of guilty but mentally is backed by mental evaluations performed by the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center. Amaya will reappear in court on March 12 for final sentencing. Â