Kentucky Town Is Shaken After Local Sheriff Is Charged With Killing Judge

BREAKING

Kentucky State Police arrested Campbell County Sheriff William Jeffrey Gross on Thursday, January 19, 2023, charging him with the murder of Circuit Court Judge Brian Edward Canini.

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Canini was found fatally shot on Wednesday morning at his home by a family member, according to the local police department.

Gross, who had been sheriff since 2019, was arraigned on Thursday and is being held in the Boone County Jail on a $1 million bond.

According to court documents, Gross has been charged with murder, first-degree burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The Kentucky State Police are still investigating the incident and have not released any further information.

The Campbell County community is in shock following the arrest of their sheriff and the death of their judge.

Canini was a well-respected member of the community and had served as a circuit court judge for over 20 years.

Gross's arrest comes just a few weeks after he was indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and theft.

The indictment alleges that Gross used his position as sheriff to steal over $100,000 from the Campbell County Sheriff's Office.

Gross has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges.

It is unclear if the federal charges are related to the murder of Judge Canini.

The Kentucky State Police are expected to release more information about the investigation in the coming days.