LANCASTER — Two Lancaster residents are accused of shooting into an occupied residence on Wednesday night, authorities said.
About 9:45 p.m., Garrard County deputy sheriffs responded to a call for help on Mount Hebron Road, said Sheriff Ronnie Wardrip. Upon arrival, they learned someone allegedly had fired gunshots into the residence.
Authorities soon apprehended the suspects, Billy Coleman, 35, and Elizabeth S. Barnes, 42, the sheriff said.
While officials do not know why Coleman allegedly fired shots into the home, it is considered an extremely unusual occurrence in the county.
“It has been at least 10 or 15 years since someone fired into an occupied dwelling around here,” Wardrip said.
Coleman and Barnes are being held in the Lincoln County Regional Jail.
Coleman is charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and traffic charges, including drunken driving. His release requires a $100,000 cash bond.
Attempted murder carries a possible prison sentence of 20 years to life while possession of a firearm by a convicted felon could lead to one to five years incarceration.
Barnes is charged with felony complicity to commit murder; a conviction could net her 20 years to life in prison. Her release requires a $75,000 cash bond.
Both suspects were arraigned Thursday in Garrard District Court and said they intended to hire legal representation. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 6.
No information was available at presstime about who lived at the residence or who the intended target of the attempted murder is.
