Avis pleads not guilty to murder charge

A man charged with murder after a vehicle pursuit led to the death of a Hodgenville police officer pleaded not guilty Monday in LaRue Circuit Court.

Jason Avis, 29, of Vine Grove was indicted in November on charges of wanton murder, first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree fleeing or evading police, leaving the scene of an accident and first-degree persistent felony offense.

A jury trial has been set for May 8.

Avis is lodged in LaRue County Detention Center in lieu of a $1 million cash bond.