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Shane Ragland, convicted in shooting death of athlete, back in court
Ragland facing allegations of domestic violence against girlfriend, children.
Lauren Adams
Anchor/Reporter
Shane Ragland was convicted for the 1994 shooting death of University of Kentucky football player Trent Diguiro.Mobile videoTwo decades later, Ragland is back in the court system, facing allegations of domestic violence against his girlfriend and her children."I've had enough of what's going on over there in that house, being around him and the influence,” said Christopher Allen, the father of the children. “I felt like I had to do this to protect my kids.”Allen's ex-wife has been dating Ragland for the past several years. He said this is not the first time he has brought Ragland to court, because it is not the first time Ragland has hurt his children. Allen said in the past, after spending weekends with their mother and Ragland, they have returned home with bruises and finger marks on their arms.On Monday, Allen took Ragland to court in Spencer County, where he lives. There had been an emergency protective order the week before. He said Ragland lashed out, hitting his ex-wife ,and later his son, while they were in the car in Louisville."My oldest daughter had to get out and run to get police,” he said. “My son was trying to protect his mom. When they sit there and tell it, it's pretty dramatic, a lot of drama.”A Spencer County judge abandoned the EPO for a more permanent DVO.The order restricts Ragland from having any contact with Allen's children, ages 8-14, for the next year.Allen said Tuesday he was pleased and grateful for the judge's decision."I think he made a good decision and kind of put him in his place, where he has to be and what his role is in my kids' lives, which is none," Allen said.Ragland's trouble began two decades ago when he was tied to and eventually convicted for the 1994 shooting death of UK football player Trent Diguiro. The conviction was overturned but Ragland later entered a guilty plea on the lesser charge of manslaughter. Days later, with credit for time served, he was a free man. In the years that followed, there was a series of charges and court appearances.Most recently, Allen's ex filed an EPO in December, saying Ragland tried to kill her. But in January, she returned to court, taking it all back."I miss Shane. We have a special relationship, even though on paper it sounds horrible," WLKY cameras recorded her telling Judge Joan Byer.In the end, despite a stern warning from that judge and months of counseling, the pair stayed together.In a show of support, she brought Ragland, in a wheelchair since a 2012 car crash, to court Monday.Allen said he is not concerned with her actions, just as long as Ragland is not near his children."He can live his life wherever he wants to live it, do whatever, just stay away from my kids and I'm happy," Allen said.The domestic violence order said Ragland is to have no contact with Allen's children until Aug. 25, 2015. Under Kentucky law, Allen can renew the order for the next three years. He said he plans on doing that.Mike Diguiro, the father of UK football player Trent Diguiro, said he was aware of this latest development. "I'm disappointed to hear this news,” Diguiro said. “It's a shame Shane hasn't learned anything in his past experience."
SPENCER COUNTY, Ky. —
Shane Ragland was convicted for the 1994 shooting death of University of Kentucky football player Trent Diguiro.
Mobile video
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Two decades later, Ragland is back in the court system, facing allegations of domestic violence against his girlfriend and her children.
"I've had enough of what's going on over there in that house, being around him and the influence,” said Christopher Allen, the father of the children. “I felt like I had to do this to protect my kids.”
Allen's ex-wife has been dating Ragland for the past several years.
He said this is not the first time he has brought Ragland to court, because it is not the first time Ragland has hurt his children.
Allen said in the past, after spending weekends with their mother and Ragland, they have returned home with bruises and finger marks on their arms.
On Monday, Allen took Ragland to court in Spencer County, where he lives. There had been an emergency protective order the week before.
He said Ragland lashed out, hitting his ex-wife ,and later his son, while they were in the car in Louisville.
"My oldest daughter had to get out and run to get police,” he said. “My son was trying to protect his mom. When they sit there and tell it, it's pretty dramatic, a lot of drama.”
A Spencer County judge abandoned the EPO for a more permanent DVO.
The order restricts Ragland from having any contact with Allen's children, ages 8-14, for the next year.
Allen said Tuesday he was pleased and grateful for the judge's decision.
"I think he made a good decision and kind of put him in his place, where he has to be and what his role is in my kids' lives, which is none," Allen said.
Ragland's trouble began two decades ago when he was tied to and eventually convicted for the 1994 shooting death of UK football player Trent Diguiro. The conviction was overturned but Ragland later entered a guilty plea on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Days later, with credit for time served, he was a free man. In the years that followed, there was a series of charges and court appearances.
Most recently, Allen's ex filed an EPO in December, saying Ragland tried to kill her. But in January, she returned to court, taking it all back.
"I miss Shane. We have a special relationship, even though on paper it sounds horrible," WLKY cameras recorded her telling Judge Joan Byer.
In the end, despite a stern warning from that judge and months of counseling, the pair stayed together.
In a show of support, she brought Ragland, in a wheelchair since a 2012 car crash, to court Monday.
Allen said he is not concerned with her actions, just as long as Ragland is not near his children.
"He can live his life wherever he wants to live it, do whatever, just stay away from my kids and I'm happy," Allen said.
The domestic violence order said Ragland is to have no contact with Allen's children until Aug. 25, 2015.
Under Kentucky law, Allen can renew the order for the next three years. He said he plans on doing that.
Mike Diguiro, the father of UK football player Trent Diguiro, said he was aware of this latest development.
"I'm disappointed to hear this news,” Diguiro said. “It's a shame Shane hasn't learned anything in his past experience."
