Cook denied new trial in Ross death

Defense attorney Jack Dearing made a motion for a new trial for Ashley Mai Cook, who was convicted in October of shooting the Shelbyville auto salesman three times on Valentine's Day 2007.

Among arguments made by Dearing were that the conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, the shooting wasn't a case of first degree murder and that the jury was in error in its verdict.

Judge Robert Crigler denied the motion, saying the proof in the case was overwhelming.

Cook has the right to appeal Crigler's decision.

Kimberly Ross appeared before Judge Robert Crigler Monday to request a new attorney. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Kimberly Ann Ross was also in court to make a post conviction petition. She claimed that lawyer Robert Marlow did not adequately represent her.

Crigler appointed attorney Terry Hernando to represent her. A hearing in the matter has been set for March 16.

Bill Ross was shot three times while he slept in his bed at his Wartrace Pike home on Feb. 14, 2007. His wife, Kimberly, was sentenced to life in prison last November after pleading guilty to first degree murder for her role in planning the slaying.

Cook pulled the trigger while Justin Young, age 20, allegedly loaded the gun and let Cook enter the home to shoot Ross in order to make the death look like part of a home invasion, authorities said.

Young pled guilty in October to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years. Young testified against his alleged co-conspirator, Cook, in trials conducted in June and October.