By Shelly Baskin
Murray, Ky – A former Murray State University student is in court for a second time for allegedly starting a 1998 dorm fire that killed another student. Kentucky State Police spokesman Dean Patterson says they decided to charge Paducah resident and current Paducah Middle School Assistant Principal Jerry Walker again after an extensive review of the case. Patterson says,
"We just felt that we could obtain a successful indictment again on Mr. Walker and 18 months of hard work by not only the state police but the prosecutors and people at the Murray Fire Department and all those people involved has really paid off in our opinion."
Walker was previously tried for the murder of fellow student Michael Minger in 2001, but the judge declared a mistrial when the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Walker now faces a reduced charge of 2nd Degree Manslaughter. He also faces arson, assault and wanton endangerment charges. Walker was arraigned Thursday morning but did not enter a plea at the time. He is scheduled to be back in court November 21st.