Edwards Sentenced in Murder Case

Michael Edwards, 43, of Manchester, KY, appeared in Circuit Court before Judge Oscar
Gayle House on May 05, 2026, for a review 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 a pretrial hearing on April 7th , 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
Commonwealths Attorney and the defendant, with cases often involving felonies where
restitution or resolution is preferred over trial.

As a result of the mediation, at the review hearing, Edwards changed his plea to guilty
in accordance with a plea deal. The plea deal was agreed to by the prosecuting and
defense attorneys and also approved by the judge. Edwards pled guilty to murder,
carjacking, and to two counts of wanton endangerment. The remaining charges were all
dismissed in accordance with the plea deal.

For the charge of murder, Edwards was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. For the
charge of carjacking, Edwards was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. For the two
counts of wanton endangerment, Edwards was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment
each. All the sentences will run concurrently for a total of 30 years.

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.
Marcum’s case is ongoing, and no resolution has been reached.

As in any case at this stage of the case the charges are allegations and Marcum is
presumed innocent until the court provides due process and determines him to be guilty.