May 21, 2013
HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Two southwestern Kentucky men whom prosecutors allege have ties to a gang in Tennessee are facing 50 years in prison after being convicted of killing a woman in 2008.
A jury in Hopkinsville returned the guilty verdict Friday night in the case of Derrick James and Jordan Young, who were charged with shooting Shyarra Olavarria. Her remains were found May 31, 2008 in a remote area of Christian County.
The Kentucky New Era (bit.ly/W3y5fC) reported that jurors recommended 50 year sentences. Christian County Circuit Judge John Atkins scheduled a sentencing hearing in January for James and Young.
Commonwealth Attorney Lynn Pryor told jurors that Young and James are members of a street gang in Clarksville, Tenn.
A third gang member, Kenneth Hudson, pleaded guilty and led authorities to Olavarria's remains.
