All Five Criminals Now Convicted for their Role in the Death
FRANKFORT, KY – Attorney General Russell Coleman and Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 21st Judicial District Ashton McKenzie announced that joint action by their offices led to the conviction of Anthony T. Paysen, 29 of Hodgenville, for the 2014 murder of Bo Otis in his Rowan County home.
On June 22, 2014, Paysen and four other men were involved in the break-in that resulted in the murder of Bo Otis at his home in Clearfield. The Kentucky State Police investigation identified Paysen as the man who fired the fatal shot and all the co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their roles in the crimes committed.
Anthony T. Paysen pleaded guilty on February 23, 2024, to:
- One count of Murder
- One count of Robbery Second Degree
- One count of Burglary Second Degree
As part of the plea agreement, the Commonwealth recommended that Paysen serve 43 years in prison.
Final sentencing was held on March 26 with the Rowan Circuit Court imposing the recommended sentence.
“After nearly a decade, all those responsible for the murder of Bo Otis have finally been brought to justice,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney McKenzie. “By collaborating with Attorney General Coleman’s office, we were able to bring this painful chapter to a close for the victim’s loved ones.”
“I’m grateful to Commonwealth’s Attorney McKenzie for working with our team to secure this important conviction,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Violent criminals have no place in our Commonwealth, and our Office will continue to work alongside local prosecutors who are keeping Kentucky families safe.”
The case was investigated by the Kentucky State Police. Commonwealth’s Attorney Ashton McKenzie and Thomas Lockridge, Violent Crime Resource Prosecutor in the Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
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