A temporary trial date was set in the murder case against Rudolfo Amaya in Christian Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Amaya appeared before Judge John Atkins once again, alongside public defender Doug Moore and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Cortese, as they continue to wait for a mental evaluation to be conducted on Amaya by the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Complex. Cortese informed the court that both sides are stuck until that happens, and Moore wondered if setting a trial date would encourage more urgency.
So, Judge Atkins set a temporary date trial date of October 21, with the hope that the evaluation will happen promptly.
Amaya is charged with murder in the first degree and first-degree wanton endangerment in the fatal shooting death of 43-year-old Dante Welch.
He is alleged to have shot and killed Welch on New Gritton Avenue in Oak Grove in March of this year—he allegedly shot Welch, who was inside of a parked vehicle, in front of a toddler who was also in the vehicle.
The defense has previously stated they intend to pursue a mental illness defense at trial.