COVINGTON — A Kenton County grand jury has indicted a Westwood man on a charge of manslaughter in the Nov. 12 slaying of Julian William Hicks.

        Dante K. English, 21, also was indicted on felony charges of fleeing police and tampering with physical evidence. If convicted of all the charges, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

        Covington Police Officer Chris Twehues said he was in a police substation when he heard shots and saw Mr. English standing near a body, holding a gun. Police said Mr. English then led them on a two-city car chase and was captured trying to swim the Licking River.

        Police say Mr. English fatally shot Mr. Hicks, 25.

        Police searched the Licking River for the weapon but were unable to recover it.

        Mr. Hicks' sister, Phillippia Dale, had previously told the Enquirer she believed her brother's killer should be charged with murder. She said her brother was being stalked the day of his slaying, and she believed the shooting was premeditated.

        Ms. Dale, who lived in Hebron at the time of her brother's death, couldn't be reached Tuesday for comment.

        “We presented the facts that we had before us,” Commonwealth Attorney Bill Crockett said. “We look forward to moving ahead with the case.”

        Mr. Crockett said he gave the grand jury a range of charges to choose from, but declined to say what those charges were.

        In Kentucky, suspects in homicides can be charged with murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter or reckless homicide. The penalty for murder is 22 years to life; first-degree manslaughter carries a penalty of 10-20 years.

        There must be aggravating circumstances, such as kidnapping the victim, for the prosecution to seek the death penalty.

        An arraignment is scheduled for May 22 before Kenton County Circuit Judge Patricia Summe. Mr. English remained in the Kenton County Detention Center Tuesday on no bond.

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