EKB News

Warren Scoville and Bette Niemi, defense lawyers for former state Representative Steve Nunn filed documents last week showing they intend to use expert testimony and other evidence of mental and emotional defects in Nunn's murder trial. Nunn is scheduled to go on trial August 1st for the murder of his former fiancée, 29 year old Amanda Ross, who was shot to death outside her Lexington home on September 11, 2009. Prosecutors have the option of seeking a death sentence if Nunn is convicted. Defense attorney Mark Stanziano of Somerset says the notification does not necessarily mean Nunn's lawyers will introduce expert testimony and other evidence of a mental or emotional condition, but attorneys are required under Kentucky law and rules of criminal procedure to file such a notice in order to be allowed to use such proof. Fayette Circuit Judge Pamela Goodwine told defense attorneys previously they had until December 31st to give notice, and prosecutors have until January 31st to have their own expert evaluate Nunn if the defense gave such a notice.