Criminal Mediation Ordered in Alleged Murder Case

Michael Edwards, 43, of Manchester, KY, appeared in Circuit Court before Judge Oscar Gayle House on April 07, 2026, for a pretrial conference in Case #24-CR-00044-001.

Edwards was arrested on August 10, 2024, after allegedly carjacking a Chevrolet truck in an attempt to escape the parking lot of T-Mart in Annville, KY, which resulted in the death of Tracy Clemmons “Jones,” 52, Edwards ran from law enforcement agencies and, in the process, allegedly committed even more crimes. He was captured, arrested, and charged with 1) murder, 2) carjacking, 3) wanton endangerment, 1st degree (2 counts), 4) fleeing or evading police, 2nd degree, 5) criminal mischief, 1st degree, 6) resisting arrest, and 7) possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. The grand jury indictment was returned at the beginning of October 2024. At his arraignment,

Edwards waived the need for a formal arraignment and entered a not-guilty plea to all charges. A trial by jury was initially scheduled for February 17, 2026.

At the pretrial hearing on April 07th, the court approved criminal mediation for the case.

Kentucky's Felony Mediation Program allows for voluntary, confidential, and cost-effective resolution of criminal cases, utilizing retired judges to mediate disputes, often resulting in high settlement rates. The program requires consent from both the Commonwealth's Attorney and the defendant, with cases often involving felonies where restitution or resolution is preferred over trial.

Key aspects of the Kentucky Felony Mediation Program include:
Procedure: A Circuit Judge must enter an Agreed Order for Mediation and submit a request to the Chief Justice using form AOC-MED-ADR-14.
Mediators: Specially trained retired judges with experience in Kentucky criminal law conduct the sessions.
Participation: The process is voluntary and typically includes the defendant, defense counsel, and the prosecutor, often held at local courthouses.
Requirements: The Commonwealth must provide discovery at least one week prior, and the defendant's failure to attend can lead to sanctions, including bond revocation.
Goals: The program aims to provide restorative justice, address victim concerns, and provide alternatives to traditional, time-consuming litigation.

Edwards remains in custody at the Clay County Detention Center while awaiting his next court appearance.

It was also reported that Edwards was driven to the T-Mart parking lot by an accomplice in the carjacking. In the business security footage, Edwards can be seen jumping out of the back-passenger seat of a Chevy Malibu whereupon he entered Clemmons Chevrolet truck in an attempt to carjack the vehicle. The person driving the Chevy Malibu LTZ was identified as Richard Marcum, 38, of Tyner KY. Sheriff Isaacs obtained an arrest warrant. Marcum had used a sander and sandpaper to sand the paint on the hood of the 2015 Chevy Malibu in an effort to make the vehicle unidentifiable. He was arrested on Monday, August 12, 2024 and charged with 1) carjacking and 2) tampering with physical evidence. A grand jury subsequently returned an indictment against Marcum but modified the charges to consist of one count of complicity carjacking.

As in any case at this stage of adjudication, the arrests are part of a preliminary investigation, and the charges are allegations. The defendant(s) are presumed innocent until the court provides due process and determines them to be guilty.