SOMERSET, Ky. (LEX 18) — A man in Somerset, Kentucky was charged with murder after the Pulaski County Grand Jury decided to indict him.
On July 3, Thomas Burton, 63, of Somerset was arrested for the murder of Ervin Phillips, 73, of Somerset.
The two men got into an altercation on June 10 after what was reported as an argument caused by road rage.
Witnesses said that the exchange started out as verbal and escalated into Burton striking Phillips with a blunt-type object.
Witnesses also said that Burton struck Phillips more than once and Phillips fell as a result. Once Phillips fell, Burton returned to his car and proceeded south on US 27, according to witnesses.
Phillip was transported to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital by an ambulance. Burton was later located by Officers Chris Gates and Scott Marlar.
Phillip was unable to give officers any details of the exchange due to his condition. Burton admitted to starting the verbal argument and claimed that Phillips poked him with his cane, which resulted in Burton hitting him.
Burton also admitted to police that he drove away from the scene.
Phillip died on June 28.
Officers obtained video of both vehicles traveling on KY 2227 prior to turning onto US 27. The video showed Phillips turning way in advance of Burton's vehicle.
Detective Larry Peterson, the lead investigator for the case, presented the murder charge to the grand jury. The grand jury then decided to indict Burton.
On July 3, Burton was served with a Pulaski County Circuit Court Warrant for the murder charged and was arrested by Officer Jordan Miller. Burton has been transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center.
