Former EMT charged with murder takes plea deal

By Connie Leonard - bio | email
Posted by Charles Gazaway - email

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – In a surprise move, the former Louisville EMT charged with the murder of his wife has accepted a plea deal.

Michael Whitehead agreed to a 12-year sentence Thursday for an amended charge of reckless homicide in the death of his 24-year-old wife, Ashley. The plea saves the families the grief of going through a trial, but they told us the outcome is still bittersweet.

Whitehead pled guilty after a prosecutors agreed to drop murder and wanton endangerment charges. Prosecutors say in March 2009, Whitehead called 911 from his apartment claiming Ashley was a victim of an accidental overdose. But the coroner discovered needle marks on Ashley's feet and arms, which led LMPD Detective Scott Russ, a former EMT himself, to begin questioning the story.

Russ interviewed Whitehead's co-workers at Yellow Ambulance and found out there were claims of sexual harassment against Whitehead and that he was allegedly heard saying his wife didn't love him anymore and he should "go kill his wife."

In an interview with Russ on April 22, Whitehead admitted using IVs on his wife for six months prior to her death and said he stole medical equipment and supplies from his employer.

Through his attorney, Don Major, Whitehead said he accepted the plea deal to spare family members the pain of a trial, not because he is guilty.

"We did not and would not have pleaded guilty to a murder charge," Major said. "Michael wished to bring the litigation to an end for everybody's best interest, and this was the decision."

Ashley's family says they accepted the decision knowing they will have part of Ashley with them every day.

"It's just a closure to everything and we can start taking care of our granddaughter now," said Tom Shanahan, Ashley's father.

Whitehead will remain on home incarceration until he is sentenced in February.

"We're glad he's going to be out and able to start his life again and have some resolution to all of this because it was a tragic accident, that's all it was," said Joyce Hamaker, Michael Whitehead's grandmother.

As for the possibility of probation, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Van De Rostyne promises to fight it.

"We believe he caused the death of Ashley Whitehead and he admitted to that today and so that's why we will," said Van De Rostyne.

Besides reckless homicide, Whitehead agreed to plead guilty to theft charges and practicing medicine without a license. He will be sentenced February 23.

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