GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — The man charged with the murder and robbery of his ex-girlfriend, Sheena Baxter, wants out of jail over concerns he is at risk for contracting COVID-19.
Joseph Hicks' attorney filed a motion for an emergency bond reduction. In the motion, it stated Hicks could be at risk of infection from COVID-19 since he is in jail where the virus could spread. He asked if Hicks could be released on home incarceration with an ankle monitor.
Scott County Circuit Judge Jeremy Mattox denied the request.
Sheena Baxter's sister, Christa Crumley, said Hicks is exactly where he belongs.
"I think he's just fine, he's not liking the circumstances. That's his problem," Crumley said. "It's not necessarily that he's worried about this virus, I think he's just wanting out because he's gotten used to getting out of things."
Commonwealth's attorney Sharon Muse adamantly opposed the request pointing out Hicks has been in isolation and the jail has had no positive cases of the virus. She went on to say his potential threat to the public far outweighs his potential exposure to the virus.
Hicks is accused of murdering Baxter soon after she disappeared from her sister's Georgetown home on Valentine's Day. Police later found her body wrapped in plastic inside a storage unit near Hick's home.
