Paducah Attorney to Hear Supreme Court Case

A local attorney has been chosen as part of a majority female panel to serve as a special justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Paducah attorney Julie Tennyson and Cheryl Lewis of Hyden were both sworn in April 21 as special justices to hear a 2015 murder case where two brothers, Cameron Pearson and Kyle Pearson, were engaged in a physical altercation over a handgun in a parking lot of a Louisville gun store that was co-owned by William Albright. Albright heard a gunshot and then approached the brothers who were wrestling over a gun. Albright began ordering the two brothers to drop the gun. During the struggle, at least two shots were fired by the brothers. Albright ultimately shot and injured Kyle Pearson, and killed Cameron Pearson.

Albright was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury on counts of first-degree murder and assault. Charges against him were eventually dismissed after the court found that he was immune from criminal prosecution.

The case being heard by Tennyson is a civil action filed against Albright alleging negligent use of force in the case.

Tennyson and Lewis were appointed because First District Justice Shea Nickell and Third District Justice Debra Lambert recused themselves because both were previously involved in the review of opinions related to the case prior to their recent election to the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Governor Andy Beshear appointed Tennyson to hear the case. After a decision by the Kentucky Court of Appeals, Childers requested that the Kentucky Supreme Court grant discretionary review, which it did.

Oral arguments for the case will be scheduled for later in the year, and may be held remotely through video conferencing.

The case is on the dockets as Case No. 2019-SC-226D, Lindsey Childers, as Administratrix of the Estate of Cameron Pearson, et. al. v. William S. Albright, et al. 

“I am honored to serve as a special justice. I am thankful for the trust Gov. Andy Beshear has placed in me to be a fair and impartial judge,” Tennyson said.

Tennyson, who is a partner in the law firm of Marcum Tennyson, graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2003. She previously served as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Thomas B. Russell. She also serves as Clerk of the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Presbytery of Western Kentucky, and is a member of the boards of Sprocket
Innovation and Childwatch.