Special Prosecutor Blake Chambers, Defense Attorney Eric Bearden and Circuit Judge John Atkins convened for a status review of Bobby Spikes Monday morning — in what was a short analysis of all housekeeping before the trial begins this November.
Spikes has been incarcerated in Christian County Jail for more than two years on charges of murdering Stanley Bussell at the Hopkinsville home of Candace Marcel in December 2021.
Marcel’s body was found in a car in eastern Trigg County later the same day.
Police reported both victims had been shot, and a later indictment from Christian County charged Spikes with the death of Marcel, who police also noted was his girlfriend.
Spikes spoke for himself Monday, noting he’s been trying to get his evidence viewed while in jail — without much luck.
Bearden said he would try to find a time for Spikes’ request, but he had more than 630 cases assigned to him last year — more than 600 above average — and a current logjam exists before this trial begins.
Atkins asked for expediency.
Meanwhile, Atkins, Bearden and Chambers were able to clarify things are in good standing heading into these final three months before jury selection begins.
Chambers, who serves as commonwealth’s attorney for the 38th Judicial Circuit in Butler and Edmonson counties, noted “inconclusive” wasn’t the best description for some of the facts around the case.
Atkins said, technically, it was.
Among his other charges, Spikes is also being tried for two counts of first-degree robbery, kidnapping leading to a victim’s death, tampering with physical evidence and convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
Another status conference has been scheduled for noon October 14. Spikes’ bond: $1 million cash.
