SOMERSET, Ky. – On Wednesday, Austin Prather, accused of committing horrific crimes against three members of his own family, appeared in the Pulaski County courtroom. He is facing charges of murder and other offenses in the deaths of his father, Ardyth “Trae” Prather III, and his grandfather, Ardyth “Ray” Prather, Jr., as well as the attempted murder of his grandmother, Joann.
Prather’s appearance in court followed a series of events that began in early November and ended with his apprehension in Indiana. During the hearing, he was appointed with two public defenders as his lawyers and the prosecutor informed the judge that they were still reviewing evidence and talking to witnesses in the matter.
The motive behind Prather’s alleged crimes remains unknown. However, the indictment states that he is charged with robbery in the first degree, involving his grandparents, as well as tampering with physical evidence. The issue of Prather’s bond was not discussed in the hearing, and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for February 22.
The judge did not allow any bond for Prather and set the pre-trial conference for February 22. More on this story as it develops.