PIKEVILLE, Ky. — One week after a jury deadlocked in the murder case against former Assistant Pike County Attorney Donald Kyle Deskins, resulting in a mistrial, the special prosecutor overseeing the case says he fully intends to take it to trial once again.

In an interview with Mountain Top News, 24th Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Tony Skeans says that, barring a plea agreement, it is his intention to retry the case, with a goal of doing so before the end of the year.

Deskins is charged with murder and two counts of tampering with physical evidence for the 2021 death of his wife, Judith. Following a weeklong trial and 12 hours of deliberations, the jury informed the judge they were deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous decision.

Special Judge Alison Wells has scheduled a status hearing Aug. 1 in Perry County for attorneys on both sides to discuss next steps.