The trial for manslaughter suspect Jaden Johnson has been officially postponed after the new prosecutor requested more time to learn about the case and work toward a possible resolution.
Richie Kemp, former Graves County Commonwealth’s Attorney and now special prosecutor, says he has received a significant amount of evidence in this case and will need more time to go through it all—meaning he will not be ready for the trial, which was scheduled to begin May 22. In addition, one of the main witnesses will not be available to testify until September.
Judge John Atkins inquired as to why a recorded statement from that witness could not be obtained, and Kemp responded that he would prefer they be present in person—but he will look into seeing if they can rearrange their schedules.
Judge Atkins agreed to postpone the trial, leaving the original May 22 date as a pretrial conference. Johnson’s public defender, Eric Bearden, says he is confident that mediation will help them reach an agreement.
Johnson is charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with a 2023 crash on Bill Bryan Boulevard that killed 34-year-old Adrian Tucker. The Hopkinsville Police Department reported that Johnson was driving at speeds of around 90 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Tucker had to be extricated from his vehicle and was pronounced dead on the scene. Johnson and two other people were injured in the crash.
