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Anthony Cloud

Staff Writer

The jury found Brian Hatfield, Candy Maiden and Debbie Partin guilty of complicity to commit murder on Wednesday. The jury returned with the minimal 20 year sentence for each of the defendants.

“I accept the verdict. This was a no win situation for all the families involved,” said Kathy Taylor, William Taylor’s youngest daughter. “I feel my…father got the justice he deserved.”

“I want to thank the commonwealth, especially Mrs. (Karen) Blondell, who was my father’s voice,” said Kathy Taylor.

Kathy Taylor stressed that it has been a long five and a half years.

Commonwealth Attorney Karen Greene Blondell showed gratitude towards the jury’s verdict stating she thinks finding all three guilty is the appropriate verdict.

“Any community owes its greatest protection to its most vulnerable citizens, and there could be no more vulnerable citizen than a 91-year-old, 139 pound man,” said Blondell. “The community can now know that three people who caused the death of a 91-year-old man have been brought to justice.”

Blondell said she was grateful to Kentucky State Police Det. Tyson Lawson and all who worked on the case. She also said the William Taylor murder case is an example of how drugs destroy lives, families and communities.

Kentucky State Police Lt. Mickey Hatmaker of the DESI/HIDTA division was the assistant post commander for criminal investigations at Post 10 during the investigation.

Hatmaker said, “on behalf of the Kentucky State Police, the dedication and tireless effort in the prosecution of the case by the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is greatly appreciated.”

He said Lawson’s “selfless service” while investigating the case was remarkable.

“It has consumed his (Lawson) life for nearly 24 months. Also Det. Mitchell Williams (retired) who has volunteered many hours since his retirement and was instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

We also would like to acknowledge the Bell County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the trial,” Hatmaker said. “Hopefully this will move the Taylor family toward closure and healing.”

Will Collins, who represented Hatfield, said he and his client were very disappointed at the outcome, but couldn’t complain about the sentence.

“I can’t complain about getting the minimal sentence,” said Collins in reference to the jury giving Hatfield a 20-year sentence. “I’m grateful to the jury for seeing that this is not the true nature of Mr. Hatfield.”

Donna Hatfield, who is Brian Hatfield’s stepmother, continued claiming Brian Hatfield’s innocence following the verdict.

“(The Taylor family) deserves justice, but at the same time so does Brian because he is innocent,” said Donna Hatfield. “They need the right one.”

“I’m not gonna stop until Brian is free,” said Donna Hatfield.

Both Donna Hatfield and Collins mentioned a polygraph test that Hatfield allegedly took and passed after answering questions involving the case. A polygraph test is not admissible in court.

Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com