The man accused of murdering a Pikeville Police officer appeared in court Thursday.
John Russell Hall appeared in Pike Circuit Court for a status hearing in the murder case against him. Hall is accused of shooting and killing Pikeville Patrolman Scotty Hamilton on March 13 of this year.
In Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors acknowledged that evidence gathered in the investigation had been delivered to the defense. In turn, the defense also acknowledged the delivery of the evidence.
Pike Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Bartley said additional evidence is still being processed and is likely to be delivered in six-to-eight weeks. That evidence is being subjected to DNA testing. Ballistics testing is also being conducted on a firearm.
Another status hearing was scheduled for October 18. A trial date has not yet been set. Pike Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman said he hopes to try the case in the summer or fall of next year, but he did not marry himself or the court to that hope.
Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty for Hall in the case.