New public defender appointed for Circuit Court

Attorney Josh Turner wanted to give back to the community where he was born and raised.

Now he has his chance.

On Monday, the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors approved hiring Turner to be the new public defender for the 3rd District Circuit Court, a position held for almost six years by attorney Ken Coghlan who resigned last month. (October 7, 2010, Page 5)

Attorney: Retire murder charges against Autry

The attorney for Bilethon Autry is asking the Circuit Court to allow his client to be transferred to a state mental hospital for treatment. In a motion filed Tuesday, Ken Coghlan asked the court to consider retiring charges against Autry after a psychiatric evaluation. Despite a history of mental illness, Autry was released from the North Mississippi Medical Center and then shot and killed his brother during a three-hour standoff with police. (July 21, 2010, Page 1)