Live Stream of a Threat to Kill

live stream of a threatEveryone wants to be a star.  Everyone wants their fifteen (15) minutes of fame.  A man was arrested in Oldham County after authorities viewed his live stream of a threat to kill a young child.  The defendant held a gun to the juvenile’s head and was heard on the Instagram live stream as he threatened to shoot the child.  The Louisville man is currently in the Oldham County detention center on charges of first-degree wanton endangerment.

What is Wanton Endangerment?

I’ve previously posted about the two (2) wanton endangerment charges in Kentucky.  There is a 1st degree charge and a 2nd degree charge.  Neither rise to the level of a murder or manslaughter charge, because there wasn’t an actual homicide.  In the case of wanton endangerment, the person committing the crime placed the life of another in danger.

As a Louisville criminal defense attorney, I deal with the evidence in a case.  Often, allegations come down to a “he-said-she-said” scenario.  However, when the defendant himself is the one actually recording the statement, let’s just say that makes it a little more complex.  Social media posts and the urge to go viral can have a devastating impact on a case.  People on the jury and the judge may not always believe what they hear, but most will definitely believe what they see.

What Is the Penalty for Wanton Endangerment?

If the defense attorney cannot get the case dismissed, or the charges reduced, the defendant who posted a live stream of a threat to kill a juvenile, it may result in a conviction.  Wanton Endangerment in the first degree is a Class D felony.  The sentence can range from 1-5 years.  Given that the act involved a minor, was recorded by the defendant and involved a gun, the defense attorney has his/her work cut out.

There may have been more options in defending this case, had the individual not decided to record a live stream of a threat to kill a child.  Good trial skills can overcome many obstacles involving the rules of evidence, the charges applied and the eventual sentence – if any.  Unfortunately, sometimes defendants become their own worst enemies.  Yep, everyone wants to be a star.  For this man, he might just be a falling star.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Jefferson County, or any of the other 119 counties in Kentucky, you’re going to need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.  Contact my office at (502) 589-6916.  We can discuss your situation and your options.  Just leave your GoPro at home.