A Greenville man who was released on bond awaiting trial on charges of murder and domestic violence, was sent back to jail on July 6, after an arrest on public intoxication charges.
George Rudy Cundiff, 72, was ordered by the the court to serve 45 days in jail, and pay an additional $50,000 bail to secure his release pending trial.
Cundiff was arrested by the Kentucky State Police in December 2019, after a domestic altercation at his home on Kentucky Highway 176 turned deadly. Cundiff allegedly shot his 42 year-old son, Christopher Seth Cundiff, also of Greenville. He was transported to Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Cundiff had been released on a $100,000 cash bond, while he awaited his trial.
In 2020, a motion was filed to revoke Cundiff’s bond when he allegedly made unauthorized travel outside the conditions of his release. At that time, the court denied the motion, but admonished Cundiff that any further violations could result in his incarceration.
Last month Cundiff was arrested and charged with alcohol intoxication and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container while attending a public auction on June 12 at the Muhlenberg Agriculture and Convention Center in Powderly.
During court proceedings on July 6, Cundiff admitted to Judge Brian Wiggins he had been drinking beer from a cooler he brought into the Ag Center on that day. He had not been to an auction since his son’s death, something the two of them always did together, he said.
“I’ve been going through a lot of depression,” Cundiff told the court.
According to the citation, local law enforcement received complaints from citizens who witnessed Cundiff drinking beer at the auction.
Judge Wiggins told Cundiff he is facing very serious charges, and willfully violated the conditions of his release. The Commonwealth’s motion was sustained, and Cundiff’s bond was revoked. He was taken to jail from the courtroom.
Cundiff will serve 45 days in jail and be required to post an additional $50,000 cash bail in order to be released prior to his trial.
The court also ordered that upon release, Cundiff must remain at his residence at all times, unless traveling to court, seeking medical treatment, or meeting with his attorney. Cundiff also must not be in violation of the law, cannot consume illegal drugs or alcohol, and cannot possess or be in the proximity of any firearms, according to the order.
Cundiff will face a jury at his trial on murder and domestic violence charges, beginning on Sept. 28.
