Two major McCracken County murder cases end in guilty pleas

Two major murder cases recently ended in guilty pleas

Accroding to the McCracken County Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Aerion Jones pled guilty to murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. 

After arguing about a 16-year-old  female minor July 22, 2021,  Justin Crabtree reportedly drove her to the address where Jones and his girlfriend stayed. 

Crabtree dropped the minor off near the residence. Jones allegedly confronted Crabtree, the two separated and Jones walked to Crabtree’s house to argue outside when Crabtree was fatally shot.  

Jones will serve 20 years for murder and ten for possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.


Also according to the the McCracken County Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Clayton Hicks of Paducah pled guilty June 1st to an amended charge of first-degree manslaughter, five counts of wanton endangerment, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  

Hicks reportedly fired multiple shots at a vehicle driven by the girlfriend of the victim, Chris Hill, on March 11, 2022.  

That followed a failed drug buy at the Lone Oak Villas Apartments, where witnesses said the victim, Chris Hill, brandished a firearm in a parking lot, after which he was fatally shot in the back. Several casings, believed to be from Hicks' gun, were found at the scene. 

The plea agreement says Hicks will serve a total of 25 years.