Janitor accused of murder back in court

BURLINGTON, Ky. - A janitor accused of killing a Fort Mitchell mom was back in court Thursday morning.

David Dooley had a preliminary hearing scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at the Boone County Justice Center, during which Dooley's indictment was read, and a trial was scheduled for next week.

Dooley, 38, was indicted in the murder of Michelle Mockbee. He's charged with murder, kidnapping, and tampering with physical evidence in the case.

Boone County Commonwealth's Attorney Linda Tally Smith says when a defendant faces a combination of murder and kidnapping charges it can result in a possible death penalty case. Under Kentucky law, Smith says an aggregated murder charge and mitigated circumstances must be further reviewed and more evidence would have to be collected.

No decision has been made to pursue the death penalty at this time.

Mockbee, 42, was killed inside Thermo-Fischer Scientific in May. She had been employed at the company for 16 years. Dooley provided janitorial services at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Mockbee's family said the mother talked a lot at work with Dooley's wife. The family said the two were what "you could call friends."

Dooley was arrested in the case last week. Police say he's had run-ins with the law that date as far back as 1994.

Authorities haven't commented on a motive, or how Mockbee died.