Double-murder case continued as prosecution considers settling

Double-murder suspect Anthony Gaines appeared in Christian Circuit Court on Wednesday where the defense and prosecution discussed the status of the case and the possibility of reaching a settlement.

Gaines was arrested in connection to the 2021 shooting deaths of Kierra Wallace and George Gomez at Ashwood Village near Peach Street. Gaines is facing two murder charges, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, tampering with physical evidence and four charges of first-degree wanton endangerment.

In court, Gaines’ defense attorney, Brandi Jones noted that the case has been handled by two prior Commonwealth’s attorneys and now it is being handled by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Greg Cortese and Mark Gilbert.

With the pair new to handling the case, Jones says they have requested time to get more acquainted with the evidence, talk with the victim’s families and possibly work toward a settlement.

Gilbert confirmed that the request was made and asked Circuit Judge, Andrew Self for another pretrial conference to be set in around 60 days. By their next pretrial conference, Gilbert says they will know if they are going to settle the case or go to trial.  

Gaines will reappear in court on June 5.