A trial won’t be necessary in regard to the manslaughter death of Roaring Springs man John Brandon.
During Wednesday’s Trigg County Circuit Court morning session, Christian County woman Michaela Carpinet pleaded guilty to the second-degree charge — in what would bring a seven-year sentence to the state penitentiary.
Sentencing with Judge Jamus Redd presiding was set for 9 AM, February 13.
Prosecuting and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jill Giordano said the Commonwealth is undoubtedly opposed to any probation or supervised release for Carpinet — who is also charged with DUI in a motor vehicle, no registration plates, no Kentucky registration receipts, no driver’s license, failure to maintain required insurance, failure to wear a seatbelt, failure to notify a change of address to the Department of Transportation and driving too fast for traffic conditions.
Giordano also noted that mediation was not required in this case.
Originally set for trial February 23-24 of next year, Carpinet most recently had her ankle monitor removed, and was out of incarceration on $750,000 bond. She’d also been fully compliant with court orders through the birth of a child.
According to the Trigg County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Aaron Acree, Carpinet’s assault charges were upgraded to manslaughter, following the New Year’s Day 2022 crash, in which Brandon was hit while walking along Military Road near the Roaring Springs Christian Church.
Carpinet was arrested at the scene. Brandon succumbed to his injuries January 4 at a Nashville hospital.