Just after 9:00 Tuesday Morning, 81-year-old Charles Hammer entered court for his arraignment and pleaded not guilty. Hammer is accused of murder in the shooting death of former Tompkinsville Police Chief Herbet Proffitt on August 28.

Current Police Chief Dale Ford wasn't surprised by the plea. He plans to attend upcoming hearings and says past police encounters with Charles Hammer may be a motive in this case.

"I'm just trying for myself to find out why and how someone could carry a grudge for so long and what really motivates someone to commit this kind of crime. It's just senseless and it's unheard of," says Ford.

City Attorney Reed Moore worked along side Officer Proffitt for years. He says if Charles Hammer is found guilty and sentenced he doesn't see it lasting very long.

"I don't know Mr. Hammer personally, I don't know if I have ever seen him but I doubt he has a strong will to live after that," says Moore.

As the case to find justice for Officer Proffitt continues, condolences are still arriving from across the globe.

"I was overwhelmed by all of the the cards and letters we've got. They come in from all parts of the United States, Canada, they are from everywhere," says Ford.

Back locally, Tompkinsville is trying to move on from the tragedy but everyone will be watching the Hammer case closely as a part of their family has been lost.

"Everybody knows Sprocket he was just a part of everybody's family. He was welcomed in everybody's home and everybody just really grieved over him," says Grace Cleary.

Hammer will appear in court again on September 25 for his preliminary hearing. He has requested for a court appointed attorney.