Trial for man accused of killing expected to start today
Corey Demarcus Gardhigh is charged with felony murder.
The murder trial of a Cedartown man is expected to get underway today, following jury selection and several motions taking up much of Monday’s proceedings.
The motions filed before Floyd County Superior Court Billy Sparks’ courtroom included one from Corey De- marcus Gardhigh’s defense attorney, Durante Partridge, claiming his client acted in self-defense during a Dec. 28, 2016, confrontation that led to the death of Paul Anthony Grady.
Gardhigh had worked for Grady, a painting contractor, at that time and the fight started over a dispute over a paycheck, said Assistant District Attorney Luke Martin. Police say he argued with Grady over money and then attacked him while Gardhigh’s son and son’s mother were in the car outside of Grady’s home at 15 S. Central Ave. in Lindale.
Grady died at Floyd Medical Center the morning of Jan. 4, 2017, as a result of head injuries, according to Coroner Gene Proctor.
A reported shooting was the initial call that led police to Grady’s home on the afternoon of Dec. 28, around 5:15 p.m. Though there had been no shooting, police had found the 43-year-old Grady with a head injury. Gardhigh was arrested around 11 p.m. that night as a result of a police investigation.
Gardhigh was initially charged with felony aggravated battery and misdemeanor simple battery and several counts of third-degree cruelty to children. Following Grady’s death, he was then charged with felony murder, after having been in jail without bond for around a week. In March, Gardhigh was granted a $100,000 bond by Sparks.
The judge’s order carried stipulations that he must wear an ankle monitor, be confined to his mother’s home, not possess a firearm and not consume or possess alcohol or drugs. Additionally, he was ordered to not have any contact with Grady’s immediate family or witnesses, including his son and son’s mother. Martin said the trial is expected to last at least a couple of days.