The Journey: From Indictment to Advocacy

A 6-year legal odyssey culminating in the “Willow Cherry Justice & Recovery Initiative.”

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February 17, 2018: The Incident

The sequence of events begins regarding the disappearance of Peter Lian after he tried to shoot Willow Cherry. Willow Cherry is subsequently detained, marking the start of a prolonged legal struggle. Damage is magnified.

September 25, 2018: The Indictment (Case 18-CR-01114)

Formal indictment filed in Fayette Circuit Court. Willow maintains his innocence from the onset.

Charges: Tampering with Physical Evidence (first charge, immediately exonerated later dismissed) and Murder (later amended).

2018 – 2024: The “Lost Years” (Pre-Trial Detention)

Willow spends over six years in pre-trial detention without a conviction. The record shows a pattern of systemic delays:

• Multiple Competency Evaluations (KCPC): Repeated delays for evaluations that ultimately found him competent.
• Speedy Trial Motions: Defense files multiple motions asserting violation of speedy trial rights, which are denied or held in abeyance.
• “Dead Time”: Years spent in legal limbo, unable to access resources for a proper defense.

October 4, 2024: The “Survival Choice” (Alford Plea)

Facing the continued uncertainty of the legal system, Willow enters an Alford Plea before Hon. Julie M. Goodman. Judge Goodman read professional and allegedly legally binding motions, as well as personal letters (available on record) and interacted with the defendant throughout, acknowledging the request but deferring to state counsel.

“An assertion of innocence while accepting punishment to avoid the…” threat of years more red tape

Outcome:

– Plea to Amended Charge: Manslaughter 2nd Degree. (Non Violent)

– Sentence: 7 Years (Credit for Time Served is required to relieve the states Burdon).

– Tampering Charge Dismissed. (This charge alone was the original plea offered in February 2019 (after the December 12 request for speedy trial), but the felony declined, expecting the citizens due process)

November 6, 2024: The Fight Back Begins

Notice of Appeal Filed (Case 2024-CA-1360).

Refusing to accept the “guilty” label, Willow launches an appeal to challenge the coercion of the plea and the constitutional violations of the 6-year delay.

December 2024: Strategic Pivot

Launch of The Willow Cherry Justice & Recovery Initiative (willowcherry.org).

Mission: Transitioning from “Defendant” to “Advocate.” Focusing on peer support, legal reform, and the “Innocence Plea.”

January 31, 2025: Current Status

Motion to Extend Briefing Time filed in the Kentucky Court of Appeals. The fight to “debug” the legal record continues.