James Reed Aaron Snyder | The Daily Independent
CATLETTSBURG After three hours of deliberation, a Boyd County jury found a 48-year-old Ironton man not guilty on manslaughter charges.
James Reed was on trial this week in connection with the Aug. 13, 2019, fatal shooting of 30-year-old Lawrence âMeechâ McCoy. Throughout the trial, public defender Brian Hewlett contended Reed shot McCoy in order to defend his stepdaughter, who was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of the decedent.
Prior to being shot, McCoy held a gun to his girlfriendâs head and threatened to kill her, according to testimony. He had beaten her earlier that day, according to testimony.
Editor s Note: This article contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence. In order to protect the privacy of witnesses involved – one who herself is a victim of domestic violence –