County employee hopes to mediate 2019 shooting
Apr. 12—CATLETTSBURG — A Boyd County official who claimed self-defense following a shooting in 2019 will attempt mediation to resolve his first-degree assault charge after a court appearance on Friday.
Christopher R. Hutchison, 35, of Ashland, formerly reported as Boyd County Emergency Management's deputy director, was indicted on charges of first-degree assault and five counts of first-degree wanton endangerment after shooting a man during an altercation.
According to previous reports by The Daily Independent, Hutchison was initially suspended without pay but returned to work in 2020, as Judge-Executive Eric Chaney said there were no policies held by the county that restricted employment for those merely facing criminal charges, adding Hutchison was "innocent until proven guilty."
Presently, Hutchison still holds active county employment while facing prison time — or an acquittal.
Initial reports state Hutchison claimed self-defense after the shooting as he "felt threatened by (the victim). A struggle ensued, at which time Hutchinson shot (the victim) once."
Previous reports also include a medical summary provided by the victim's family, which indicate a doctor found the victim was shot in the "left side of his back at apparent point-blank range with no exit wound."
Hutchison posted 10% of a $25,000 cash bond in October 2019, which was reported as approved by Boyd Circuit Judge George Davis along with consent by the victim and his family.
On Friday, Hutchison appeared in person for yet another pre-trial conference before Judge Davis where Hutchison's public defender, Brandon West, said the parties were attempting to line up a mediation to resolve the case.
Nearing five years since the shooting, West said Hutchison would like to "resolve this as much as anybody," and wants to attempt mediation again after prior scheduling conflicts.
During mediation, a neutral party — in this case a third-party judge — will oversee an informal meeting between the prosecution, defense and victim to discuss a resolution or possibly agree on a plea negotiation.
Mediation is often used in criminal cases to aid in court caseloads, avoid trial and provide an opportunity for parties to hash things out without requiring an open court setting.
West said he had been in contact with a local mediator and was working out a plan to possibly travel for the mediation.
Judge Davis said he would give Hutchison the opportunity for mediation and scheduled a follow up pre-trial for June 14.
"Surely all parties can get together prior to that," Davis said.
If convicted on the charge of first-degree assault, Hutchison could face 10 to 20 years in prison.
(606) 326-2652 — mjepling@dailyindependent.com
