Judge Sentences Lexington Man to Probation for Homicide
Daryll Russell will avoid a 12-year prison sentence by remaining crime-free for five years.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Criminal Justice
A Lexington judge sentenced 53-year-old Daryll Russell to 12 years in prison, but granted him a five-year probation period instead. Russell will avoid serving the prison term entirely if he avoids committing new crimes during this probation window.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a case stemming from a fatal 2022 shooting, balancing a conviction for serious offenses against a probationary alternative. This outcome dictates the immediate freedom of the defendant contingent on his future conduct.
Daryll Russell, 53, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and fourth-degree assault. The judge probated his 12-year prison sentence, allowing for release on the condition he commits no crimes for five years.
The players
Daryll Russell
The 53-year-old defendant was sentenced for his role in a 2022 shooting.
Darian Webb
The 18-year-old victim was killed during the 2022 shooting incident.
The details
The charges against Russell are tied to a 2022 shooting incident that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Darian Webb. The sentencing was finalized in October 2026 following Russell's guilty plea earlier that year.
Timeline
The fatal shooting involving Darian Webb occurred in 2022.
Daryll Russell entered his guilty plea in May 2026.
The sentencing hearing took place on October 30, 2026.
Legal Context
This case illustrates the judicial application of Kentucky's criminal sentencing guidelines for reckless homicide when evaluating probation eligibility. The court utilized discretionary sentencing authority allowed under state guidelines to favor probation over immediate incarceration.
The community in Lexington remains affected by the legal resolution of this 2022 fatal shooting. Residents should note that the defendant remains in the area subject to strict judicial supervision for the next five years.
The takeaway
Judicial probation allows defendants to remain in the community while providing a strong incentive to maintain a law-abiding lifestyle. Failure to adhere to the court-mandated conditions during the probation period can result in the activation of the original prison sentence.
Further reading
For additional context on the local legal process, visit Criminal Justice.
