Madisonville murder trial ends in not guilty verdict

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – A murder trial in Madisonville ended Thursday with a not guilty verdict.

Raleigh Lamar was charged with murder in the shooting death of Terrance Minor, Jr. at a Madisonville apartment complex back in February 2023.

Madisonville Police stated Minor and Lamar were entangled in a web of an ended relationship. Police also stated Minor came to speak with his ex-girlfriend, whom he had a child with. Minor’s father says his son was trying to deliver diapers when he was shot in the chest.

Hopkins County Commonweath Attorney Kathy Senter said the verdict was based on a self-defense argument. She said the jury deliberated for about 40 minutes.

Senter mentioned the trial was broken up due to Lamar also being charged with a possession of a handgun by a convicted felon charge. That charge couldn’t be tried with the murder charge.

She said after the murder verdict was read, the prosecution and defense met and resolved the gun charge. Lamar ended up pleading guilty to the weapon charge with a recommended sentence of ten years.

Senter shared her thoughts on the verdict. “The jury verdict wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for the victim’s family. They suffered a great loss in this senseless tragedy. In time, I hope they can find some closure regarding the criminal case even though the loss of their son, brother, friend will always remain. Our criminal justice system is the best in the world, and even when we don’t necessarily always agree with the outcomes, we respect the process,” she said.

Sentencing is set for August 19. Lamar is not eligible for probation.

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