Kuran Kinley on Thursday had a not guilty plea entered on his behalf on a murder charge that accuses him of fatally shooting Trayveon Triplett at a Valparaiso apartment Monday evening.
Kinley, 24, made his initial appearance via video feed from the Porter County Jail Thursday before Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer.
Clymer entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Kinley to the charges of murder, criminal recklessness and carrying a handgun without a permit while being a convicted felon.
The Porter County Prosecutor’s office has added an enhancement to the murder charge because Kinley knowingly used a firearm when committing the offense, according to charging documents.
If convicted of the murder charge, Kinley would potentially face a sentence ranging from 45 to 65 years. The enhancement added by the prosecutor’s office could carry an additional penalty of 5 to 20 years. The criminal recklessness and handgun charges are Level 5 felonies, which each carry a potential sentence of 1 to 6 years.
The fatal shooting occurred in the Chicago Avenue apartment of his ex-girlfriend. Kinley, who lived within the same complex, was upset that Triplett was at the apartment during the same time when his child by his ex-girlfriend was there, court documents say.
Clymer ordered that Kinley be held without bail in the Porter County Jail.
The judge agreed with Deputy Porter County Prosecutor Harris Peterson, who opposed bond because Kinley posed a potential “danger to the community.” Clymer also cited the fact that Kinley has a pending misdemeanor case in Porter County and two prior felony convictions for battery in Lake County.
Before issuing his order, Clymer did ask Kinley what he could afford to post for bail.
Kinley answered that he would have to get with his people, but he could possibly raise $10,000. He said he just started a job doing detailing work.
Attorney Nathaniel Henson from the Porter County Public Defender’s office, representing Kinley at the hearing, asked that the judge consider a $100,000 surety bond.
Clymer also asked if Kinley could afford his own legal counsel.
Kinley said he didn’t know as he had to talk to his people and asked if the judge could appoint counsel at this time.
Clymer appointed attorney Mark Chargualaf to represent Kinley.
Kinley said he has already signed a no-contact order involving a number of people who could be witnesses in his case.
The next hearing for Kinley has been set for Aug. 6 in Judge Clymer’s court.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
