HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – A new trial date has been set for Arnett Baines, a suspect in the 2019 shooting deaths of three people at a home in the 900 block of Audubon Avenue in Owensboro.
Police say Baines is accused of entering the home along with an accomplice, Cylar Shemwell, and shooting Jay Michael Sowders, Christopher Carie, Robert D. Smith and Carmen Vanegas in the head. Sowders, Smith and Carie died of their injuries, while Vanegas survived.
Trial set for one suspect in connection with triple murder
Officials involved in the case say that information about drug activity at the house will be included in the trial. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Nick Kafer says that the prosecution intends to show the jury surveillance video showing Baines handling controlled substances. However, the toxicology reports on the three murder victims will not be included, as Kafer says they are irrelevant to the case.
Baines is charged with three counts of murder and assault. Opening arguments for his trial are set to begin on August 12. If found guilty, Baines and Shemwell could face the death penalty. A previous ruling had declared Shemwell mentally competent to stand trial.