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Grand jury indicts Knott County man for murder
by Bailey Richards
Staff Reporter
<p>Donald Combs</p>

Donald Combs

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A Knott County man charged with murder was one of several people indicted by the grand jury this month on a range of different charges.

Donald Combs, 34, of Fisty, is facing one count each of murder, leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence second offense, and driving on a DUI suspended license. On May 9, Combs was alleged to have been driving under the influence when he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle went over an embankment on Lost Creek Road and landed on its top in the creek.

Combs then allegedly left the scene of the accident, also leaving behind a passenger, 51-year-old Burley Combs, who was later pronounced dead at the scene from injuries he sustained.

Donald Combs was located at his home and arrested by trooper with the Kentucky State Police. Combs had already had his license suspended for driving under the influence at the time of the accident. His bail is set at $1 million cash.

Also indicted this month was Charles David Bush, 22, of Chavies. Bush is charged with five counts of second-degree sodomy. According to the indictment, on May 10 and on four occasions after that, Bush engaged in a deviate sexual act with a minor under the age of 14. His bail is set at $100,000.

Tommy Napier of Bonnyman, Emmanuel Combs, 24, of Hazard, and Dewayne Combs of Hazard were all indicted this month on two charges of theft by unlawful taking over $500.

On or around April 9, the three defendants allegedly committed the crime of theft by unlawful taking when they stole a drain pipe that belonged to the Perry County Fiscal Court. They are all also charged with stealing a bus on April 26 that was used to store hay. Their bails are set at $25,000.

Also indicted this month were John W. Sexton, 22, of Yerkes, and Kellie J. Stidham, 30, of Jackson. Sexton and Stidham were indicted on charges of second-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking over $500 and third-degree criminal mischief.

Between August and October 2011, Sexton and Stidham allegedly burglarized a home and stole items that are valued at over $500. Their bails are set at $25,000.

Martin B. Morris, 44, of Hazard, was also indicted this month on charges of second-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief. On May 5, Morris allegedly unlawfully entered a residence with the intent to commit a crime. Morris allegedly caused property damage in the home at a cost of the home owner. His bail is set at $30,000.

Steven B. Perkins, 28, of Slemp, was also indicted this month for second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and theft by deception. Perkins was alleged to have been in possession of a forged check between May 9 and 22, and cashed these checks worth over $500. His bail is set at $25,000.

Also indicted was Chris A. Ritchie, 49, of Hazard. Ritchie was indicted on two counts of fleeing and evading police, two counts of driving on a DUI suspended license second offense, two counts of not having an operator’s license, one count of failure to maintain insurance, two counts of driving without headgear, one count of no registration plates, two counts of driving an ATV on a roadway, and one count of being a second-degree persistent felony offender.

On May 2 and 3, Ritchie allegedly fled from police while on an ATV after being signaled by officers to stop. His bail is set at $40,000.

Jason Wyrick, 38, of Hazard, was also indicted for theft by unlawful taking and being a persistent felony offender. On June 11, Wyrick allegedly stole two rings valued at over $500. His bail is set at $30,000.

Also indicted this month was Jimmy Shepherd, 34, of Louisville. Shepherd was indicted on charges of receiving stolen property when he was allegedly found to be in possession of items from Hazard ARH, specifically a cast saw and wrist supports valued at over $500. His bail is set at $20,000.

Kimberly P. Asher, 36, or Yeaddiss in Leslie County, was indicted this month of a charge of first-degree possession of a controlled substance. On September 29, Asher was allegedly found with a quantity of methamphetamine. Her bail is set at $20,000.

Charles R. Weaver, 48, of Hindman, was also indicted this month on charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance and first-degree promoting contraband. Weaver was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of cocaine on March 3. After being arrested he was then alleged to have carried cocaine into Kentucky River Regional Jail. His bail is set at $20,000.

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