Shawn Blanks, man accused in fatal Newtown Pike shooting, arraigned on murder charge, bond set at $1 million

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Shawn Blanks, the man accused in the December 26, 2024, shooting death of Maurice Elliot, appeared for his arraignment via Zoom on Wednesday from the Fayette County Detention Center.

Blanks, 54, is charged with murder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance (1st degree), and theft of identity. During the hearing, he waived formal arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. The court appointed a public defender to represent him.

Blanks is scheduled for his next court appearance on February 7 at 8:30 a.m. His bond is set at $1 million.