Published: July 28, 2006 11:19 pm      

Kenneth Gray enlists Chicago lawyer

New attorney seeks venue change, later trial

DANVILLE — A rural Oakwood man accused of shooting and killing his wife has opted for new legal representation just a month before his trial.

Kenneth Gray, 34, faces four charges of first-degree murder in the death of Kimberly Gray on Sept. 25 in their home at 9470 E. County Road 1200.

Gray appeared in court late Friday afternoon flanked by his former defense counsel, Danville attorney Carl Kagawa, and his new attorney, Stanley Hill of Chicago.

Hill, making his first appearance on Gray’s behalf, filed a change-of-venue motion to try to move the jury trial outside Vermilion County. The motion will be argued at a hearing in September.

In addition, Hill motioned for and received a continuance for his client’s jury trial, which was set for Aug. 28.

Judge Michael Clary set a new trial date of Oct. 16 over the objections of Assistant State’s Attorney Larry Mills.

Depending on the outcome of the venue motion, Hill said he could be ready for trial in 60 days.

Mills said he anticipated the trial, once it began, to last about a week.

Kimberly Gray was found in the laundry room of the home she had shared with her husband, Kenneth. She was shot 15 times, according to coroner’s inquest testimony.

Police investigators say the shooting was the result of a domestic dispute between the estranged couple.

Gray is being held without bond in the Public Safety Building.

He is not eligible for the death penalty if found guilty. Under Illinois state statutes, he faces up to 60 years or, potentially, his natural life in state prison.