Hopkinsville Man Pleads Guilty to Assault in Shooting
Shadymon Buckner faces a four-year prison sentence following a 2025 shooting incident on Liberty Street.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Violence
Shadymon Buckner pleaded guilty to assault under extreme emotional disturbance for a 2025 shooting. The incident left a 24-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to the neck.
Why it matters
The plea deal marks a conclusion to the case following a mediation process that resulted in an amended charge for the defendant.
Shadymon Buckner entered his guilty plea in the court of Judge John Atkins, with formal sentencing scheduled for January 6, 2027. He must serve 85% of his four-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The players
Shadymon Buckner
He is the defendant who was 21 years old at the time of the shooting and pleaded guilty to assault.
Jaleon Dyess
He is the 24-year-old victim who sustained a gunshot wound to the back of the neck during the incident.
John Atkins
He is the judge presiding over the court proceedings for the criminal case.
The details
The shooting took place on Liberty Street in Hopkinsville, where Jaleon Dyess was struck by a bullet in the back of the neck. Following the incident, Dyess was transported for medical treatment to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Timeline
May 21, 2025: The shooting occurred on Liberty Street in Hopkinsville.
October 15, 2026: Shadymon Buckner entered a guilty plea in court.
January 6, 2027: Formal sentencing is scheduled to take place.
Legal Context
The sentence adheres to established state requirements for violent felony convictions and parole thresholds. This case follows a pattern set by Kentucky's mandatory minimum sentencing laws for violent crimes.
The resolution of this case settles a violent incident that occurred on Liberty Street. Residents can be assured that the legal process has reached a procedural milestone regarding public safety and accountability.
The takeaway
Legal mediation often serves as a pathway for reaching resolutions in complex assault cases involving extreme emotional disturbance claims. These outcomes demonstrate how the court system balances specific circumstances with mandatory sentencing requirements.
What happens next
Formal sentencing for Shadymon Buckner is scheduled for January 6, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on regional safety, visit Hopkinsville Violence.
