Tharpe awaiting trial for 2016 homicide

Published 9:23 am Friday, June 21, 2019

Prosecutors are still waiting for DNA evidence from a homicide case from Hughes Avenue before the case can be resolved.

Danny Tharpe, 51, was in Clark Circuit Court Thursday afternoon for a status conference. His attorney asked whether it should be set for a trial, but Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Heidi Engel said she was still waiting for DNA evidence in the case.

The case was then continued until Sept. 12.

Email newsletter signup

Tharpe, of 104 Elizabeth St. Apt. B, is charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree robbery and first-degree persistent felony offender for the May 18, 2016, death of Jeff Adams.

Police said Adams was found unresponsive in his home on Hughes Avenue that morning with a wound to his neck. He never regained consciousness and died three days later in the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Tharpe was arrested May 19, 2016, after police found bloody clothes and Adams’ wallet in two different locations.

Police said Tharpe gave several accounts of what happened that morning, from not entering the home to finding the back door open and finding Adams lying on the floor. He also told police he picked up Adams to try and help, but did not call for help.

Police said the two men were friends.

Tharpe is being held in the Clark County Detention Center on a $1 million cash bond.

About Fred Petke

Fred Petke is a reporter for The Winchester Sun, the Jessamine Journal and the State Journal. His beats include cops, courts, fire, public records, city and county government and other news. To contact Fred, email fred.petke@bluegrassnewsmedia.com or call 859-759-0051.

email author More by Fred