Attorney General Russell Coleman spoke to the media Monday following a court hearing on the Office’s motion to dismiss the main legal roadblock to the restarting of the legal imposition of the death penalty in Kentucky.
Since he was sworn in as Attorney General in 2024, Coleman has made it a priority to deliver justice to the Kentucky families who have spent decades waiting.
On Monday, the Attorney General’s Principal Deputy Attorney General Jack Heyburn argued before Franklin Circuit Court, urging the court to uphold the rule of law. The legal team argued for the dismissal of a 2006 case which is at the center of the 15-year ban on executions in the Commonwealth. A dismissal of the case would clear the way for about a dozen executions.
“I am standing here today as the Attorney General of this Commonwealth to tell victims and surviving families that they are not forgotten. Justice has been tragically delayed, but we’re fighting hard to make sure it is not denied,” Coleman said.
Watch the Attorney General’s remarks here.
Coleman was joined by members of the law enforcement team who investigated the 1992 murders of Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Sheriff Arthur Briscoe. The killer, who was sentenced to death 30 years ago, remains on Kentucky's Death Row because of the injunction.
“From the moment handcuffs were put on him, Ralph Baze never disputed his involvement and never showed remorse. Ralph Baze was sentenced to death twice, once for each of the lives he had taken. I’m grateful for Attorney General Coleman and all those who have done their part to deliver long overdue justice,” said Bobby Motley, a retired KSP detective, who investigated the case.
State Sen. Brandon Smith (R-Hazard) whose district includes Powell County, also spoke on the importance of delivering justice in the case of the slain officers.
“Our Commonwealth promised to deliver justice to the families of Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Briscoe. It’s time for the Governor to fulfill that commitment,” Smith said. “I’m proud to join Attorney General Coleman in this fight for Kentucky law enforcement and families. The AG’s strong leadership has brought this delay to light and will, hopefully, make justice a reality.”
Lewis County Sheriff and President of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association Johnny Bivens praised General Coleman for standing with Kentucky law enforcement, and continuing to purse justice for Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Sheriff Briscoe
“Kentucky owes a debt to Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe, who laid down their lives in service. When the men and women of law enforcement walk out their doors to protect our families, they must trust that we will have their backs,” Bivens said. “On behalf of all Kentucky Sheriffs, I’m grateful to Attorney General Coleman who stands steadfast with law enforcement and these fallen heroes.”
There is no timeline on when a Franklin Circuit Court judge would rule on the dismissal.
Screen capture. Attorney General Russell Coleman asks the court to dismiss a roadblock to legal executions in Kentucky.
