70-year-old to face trial
CATLETTSBURG A stabbing suspect got his wish in the form of a date with a jury on Thursday in Boyd County Circuit Court.
Last month, Jesus Montanez, 70, of Ashland, was quite vocal about his demand for a jury to hear his case, much to the dismay of his attorney and Boyd Circuit Judge John Vincent, who ended up cutting the sound from Montanez’s video feed as he spoke over the judge, attorneys and English translator.
During April’s hearing, Montanez said he was entitled to a jury just as much as any other American defendant and voiced frustrations at the case’s lack of movement since his arrest in October of last year.
Montanez is charged with first-degree assault after police say he was the man who inflicted a serious stab wound to another man in the 3100 block of Railroad Avenue on Oct. 11, 2023.
Per court documents, the alleged victim of Montanez’s was life-flighted to a nearby trauma center for medical attention.
On Thursday, Montanez requested to speak aloud once again, but was quickly reminded by Judge Vincent of the repercussions if he were to incriminate himself.
Receiving a firm “no” from his court-appointed attorney, Alea Hipes, Montanez — in English — responded, “Why not?”
Said Hipes: “Because I don’t want you held in contempt.”
Montanez appeared to count out the months as Judge Vincent announced his jury trial would be scheduled on a later date in September, but Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kierston Rosen advised there was a conflict with the prosecutions schedule for the previously selected date.
The final date is set for Sept. 9.
“A week earlier,” Vincent said.
The date seemed to work for Montanez as he walked away from the podium.
He will reappear for a pre-trial conference on July 18.
