The Clinton Daily Democrat had the chance to catch up with newly elected Henry County Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray on January 2: she had an update about the consistently delayed Ian McArthy trial. Recall, Ian McArthy was charged with the murder of Clinton Police Officer Gary Michael in August of 2017. An intense search for McArthy ensued before he was finally captured and incarcerated and, years later, his trial will finally be held. In December McArthy’s defense again filed for a continuance, but then Prosecuting Attorney Richard Shields appealed their filing and the judge denied any further continuations.
Prosecutor Gray said she was ready for the trial – which is now scheduled for June 2023. The jury selection process will be held in Platte County in June and two weeks after which the trial itself will begin. McArthy faces the death penalty.
Also from the prosecuting attorney’s office is an upcoming trial for the shooting of two young men at Artesian Park in July 2022. Airick Brauer is accused of two homicides and is facing one count of second degree murder. The trial (at least thus far) will take place in Henry County.
Another upcoming murder trial on the schedule of the prosecuting attorney’s office is that of Ryan Alexander. Alexander is accused of fatally shooting his wife, Ashton, multiple times in the head in August 2022. Arraignment for this case will occur this January 5th at which time (or possibly at the next hearing) a trial date will be established. Alexander is charged with first degree murder.
Other updates from the prosecuting attorney’s office: the Henry County Commission approved the replacement of Lachrisha Gray’s former position, assistant prosecuting attorney, and also approved the hiring of an investigator. The investigator position will help alleviate some of the problems the office has with rounding up witnesses and will also act as a liaison for law enforcement offices.
If the reader is wondering whether or not the prosecuting attorney’s office is seeing more murder trials than in years past, they would be correct. Prosecutor Gray reported that in October Henry County had more pending murder trials than they had ever had. There were five homicides in the county in 2022 alone and there were two murder trials within the space of three months to close out the year (one in October and one in December). Murder trials are particularly cumbersome for the office in that they take extra work, the processes for them are longer, and they typically involve more witnesses and experts, hence the commission’s approval of some extra help.
The Clinton Daily Democrat will keep the readers updated on the trials as information becomes known.
