Hope White is released to home incarceration

Melodie Phelps, News Editor

Monticello — A Wayne County woman, who was arrested last year for murder in connection with the 2008 death of a local woman, has been released on home incarceration, following a court hearing on Friday, March 5.

Hope White, who was indicted last August for murder in connection with the death of Julie Hicks Burchett, appeared in Wayne Circuit Court on Friday, before Judge Vernon Miniard, Jr. , just days before her trial was set to begin.

White's trial was slated to begin this week, but Commonwealth's Attorney Matthew Leveridge had filed a motion requesting that the March 9 date set in the case be delayed, noting that the prosecution needed additional time to prepare.

In the motion, Leveridge also noted that the prosecution did not believe that the trial could be completed in the four days that were set aside on the court calendar. The motion requested that the trial be rescheduled for April 13-20.

Miniard granted a change in the trial date, setting jury selection for April 16. He set April 19 as the opening day for White's trial.

White, who has been held at the Wayne County Detention Center on a $250,000 cash bond since June 29, 2009, was granted release on home incarceration. Officials at the Deten-tion Center confirm that she was released on home incarceration Saturday, March 5.

Burchett was found dead in her car early on the morning of July 19, 2008, and police say that she had been stabbed multiple times and the indictment against White indicated that the victim's throat was cut.

Burchett and White were acquaintances, according to information provided by family members. During a preliminary hearing, held in Wayne District Court last July, investigators with the Kentucky State Police said that there were several witnesses who allege they saw White stab Burchett at a party.

Miniard ordered that all witnesses in connection with White's case appear on Tuesday, March 9 to be recognized to reappear for trial. He also set a review in the case for March 16.

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