This morning, John Russell Hall admitted in front of Pike Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman and a full courtroom that he did commit the murder of Pikeville Police Officer Scotty Hamilton.
Pike Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley has accepted the guilty plea and requested the sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
Before sentencing, Hamilton’s mother read a statement to the court. Hamilton’s wife also prepared a statement that was read to the court by a Pikeville Police Detective.
Judge Coleman agreed to the plea and sentenced Hall to life in jail without the possibility of parole for the murder of Officer Hamilton and ten years for the firearm charge.
We will have more on today’s sentencing tonight at 6.