Two co-defendants charged with murder in relation to the stabbing death of Jimmy Sidwell, Jr. over two years ago have been sentenced in Clinton Circuit Court by Judge David L. Williams. Michael E. Thompson, who had originally been charged with murder, robbery first degree and tampering with physical evidence, was sentenced pursuant to a plea entered with the Commonwealth on January 8 of this year.

The court sentenced Thompson to 35 years imprisonment on the murder charge with the remaining charges being dismissed pursuant to the agreement.

Thompson had originally accepted the plea and as part of the deal, was to have testified truthfully against his co-defendant in the case, Andrea Byler.

Byler’s case remained active since her incarceration on original charges of murder, first degree robbery, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence. Several trial dates were scheduled, postponed and rescheduled in her case until a month ago, when on November 10, she entered a guilty plea on lesser charges.

Pursuant to the agreement, Byler pled guilty to criminal facilitation to murder with a five year sentence imposed, guilty of two counts of tampering with physical evidence with a five year sentence on each count imposed, with the three counts to run consecutive for a total of 15 years. The first degree robbery charge was dismissed.

Both defendants will receive credit for time served since having been jailed following their arrests. The sentences were handed down on Thursday, December 3.

Both defendants were arrested on October 27, 2013 by Kentucky State Police and charged in connection with Sidwell’s death.

The victim’s body was found October 26 underneath an unoccupied trailer home on Cody Lane in South Albany. Authorities believe that Sidwell had been killed elsewhere and his body brought to the location where it was discovered a few days later.

Autopsy results listed the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the upper torso.

Thompson was represented by Public Advocate Brad Shuffett and Byler was represented by Monticello attorney Thomas Carroll. The case was prosecuted by Commonwealth Attorney Jesse Stockton and assistants in his office.

(A regular term of Clinton Circuit Court was held on December 3 and more details pertaining to cases resolved will be published next week.)