Accused killer Ricky Kelly indicted at state level after attempt to prosecute in federal court

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An accused killer will face the same charges he has already faced, this time in a state courtroom.

Ricky Kelly was arraigned Monday afternoon and a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.

He's charged with the 2005 murder of LaJuante Jackson as part of an effort to protect a drug trafficking organization.

The case started at the state level, then went to federal court and has now been seen sent back down to the commonwealth for prosecution.

Steve Romines represented Kelly in federal court. Even though he will not represent Kelly in state court, he says his client had nothing to do with the murder.

“My client was in federal custody when that happened,” Romines said. “They have phone records, mail; they know he didn't have anything to do with it.”

A public defender will be reappointed to him.