Several motions concerning evidence in the case against complicity to murder suspect Dekorian Daniel were heard in Christian Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Trial is fast approaching for Daniel, who is charged in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting death of Adrian Acree, and both the Commonwealth and the defense are working to determine what evidence will be presented at trial.
Special prosecutor Zac Greenwell informed the court he intends to present a text message that was sent between between Daniel and Acree before the murder occurred—but it’s technically hearsay evidence, so he needs the courts approval to present it.
Judge John Atkins says he is inclined to rule it admissible at trial, but he asked the Commonwealth to lay the proper foundation for why it’s relevant to the case before he makes a decision.
As for the evidence to be presented at trial, the Commonwealth will supply the jury with a summary of the gathered information. Defense attorney James Mills says it’s likely that summary may need to change, based on the differences between Daniel’s charges and his co-defendants, and the Commonwealth agreed to amend the summary as needed.
Now, it’s straight on towards trial, which is set to begin on September 2.
Daniel is accused of luring Acree to the location where he would be shot and killed by Cortez Hairston Jr.
Daniel is the only co-defendant that remains unresolved in this case. Hairston Jr. was convicted of first-degree murder at trial recently and sentenced to 30 years in prison, while co-defendant Jaila Sherrod has pled guilty to facilitation of murder and tampering with physical evidence to her role.