Lexington Man Pleads Guilty in 2023 Murder as Several Major Fayette County Cases Move Forward

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY — October brought major developments in several Fayette County homicide cases, including a Lexington man’s guilty plea in a 2023 murder case and sentencing for two women charged in the fentanyl overdose death of a 4-year-old child.

According to court records and statements from prosecutors, three significant criminal cases involving deaths in Lexington and surrounding areas were resolved or advanced through the courts this month.

Lexington Man Pleads Guilty in 2023 Killing of Kobby Martin

Deonte Demarcus Carter, 27, pleaded guilty under an Alford plea to second-degree complicity to commit murder in the death of Kobby Martin, 26, who was killed in January 2023.

An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence to secure a conviction.

Carter had originally been charged with murder and as a persistent felony offender. Forensic testing revealed that blood found in Carter’s stolen vehicle matched Martin’s, while electronic evidence — including texts, calls, and location data — directly tied him to the killing, according to court documents.

Carter has also been charged in another Lexington murder case from December 2021 involving 21-year-old Devon Sandusky, who was found shot dead at a residence on Oak Hill Drive.

Detective Tim Moore testified that the bullet recovered from Sandusky’s body matched a firearm previously seized from Carter, and that he was caught driving the same car used to flee the crime scene.

Prosecutors say Carter knew Sandusky through narcotics activity, and additional charges are pending in that case. He is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on Oct. 31 and sentencing for Martin’s death on Dec. 4.

Two Women Sentenced in Child’s Fatal Fentanyl Overdose

Two women involved in the February 2023 fentanyl overdose death of a 4-year-old were sentenced this month after pleading guilty to reduced charges.

Briana Turpin, 28, was sentenced to seven years in prison, while Raven Houston, 20, received three years of probation for her role in the tragedy.

A third suspect, Anderson George, 30, has also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

According to investigators, Lexington police discovered evidence of drug trafficking and fentanyl possession inside a home on Bracktown Road, where the child overdosed.

Police later stopped George’s vehicle on Interstate 75, finding 100 grams of fentanyl hidden in the car’s air filter compartment along with 500 grams of cutting agents.

Turpin and Houston were originally charged with second-degree manslaughter, trafficking fentanyl, and wanton endangerment. As part of plea agreements, both received reduced sentences in exchange for cooperation and dismissal of some charges.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Cases

The recent court actions have drawn attention across Lexington and Fayette County, as prosecutors continue to navigate several high-profile homicide and overdose cases linked to drug activity and gun violence.

Authorities say Carter’s plea brings long-awaited progress in one of the city’s most violent early-2023 shootings, while the sentencing of Turpin and Houston highlights the rising impact of fentanyl-related deaths on young victims.

Both Carter and George are due back in court in early December for final sentencing hearings.

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