Princeton shooting case sent to grand jury

The case of a Princeton man accused of shooting and killing a man last month has been sent to a Caldwell County Grand Jury.

WPKY reported following arraignment Monday morning, the case of 20-year-old Hector Miguel Pena was sent to the grand jury.  Pena is accused of shooting and killing 34-year-old Jerrod Cooper in the early morning hours of October 23rd in the 300 block of Beverly Lane.

Only media members were allowed in the court room after a reported incident between Cooper's and Pena's family during last week's arraignment hearing.

Princeton Police detective Brent Fox testified about the shooting.  He indicated Cooper was shot twice, one in the pelvic area and once in the head.  Cooper was first treated at Caldwell Medical Center, then transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he succumbed from his wounds.

During cross examination, Pena's attorney questioned whether Detective Fox' s account of the shooting was based on witness accounts or surveilance footage.  Fox said it was both. 

He also testified Pena and another man were walking along Beverly Drive when Cooper pulled up in a vehicle, got out and took two steps toward Pena who began firing.

It was also noted no weapons or ammunition were found in the Cooper vehicle.  Pena surrendered to authorities later that day after leaving the scene.

Pena's attorney asked for a bond reduction which was denied.  Pena is still in the Caldwell County Jail on a $1 million bond.

source:  WPKY