Anthony Gaines, a double murder suspect, appeared in Christian Circuit Court on Thursday, rejecting a plea deal and deciding to proceed with his trial.
Gaines was arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of Kierra Wallace and George Gomez near Peach Street in 2021.
He is charged with two counts of murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, possessing a handgun as a convicted felon, tampering with physical evidence, and four counts of wanton endangerment. Gaines is represented by Brandi Jones and Michael Coleman.
Gaines’ defense team was working with Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Cortese to develop a plea bargain offer.
Cortese offered Gaines a sentence of 25 years for violent charges and 15 years for nonviolent charges, to be served consecutively.
According to Jones, Gaines requested that the deal be amended to include 20 years for violent charges and 20 years for nonviolent charges, which Cortese approved. Despite having the deal amended, Gaines declined the offer.
Circuit Judge Andrew Self questioned Gaines, and following the rejection, Cortese stated that no new offers will be made and that they will proceed to trial.
According to Self, Gaines could face the death penalty, a life sentence with no possibility of parole, or a 25-year sentence with parole.
Gaines will return to court for a pretrial conference on June 9.
