John “Brandon” Lamotte of Frankfort, Kentucky, is finally free after spending almost nine years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The Kentucky Supreme Court ended the case on October 15 by refusing to hear an appeal, finalizing Brandon Lamotte’s exoneration and closing a long legal ordeal.
Lamotte was convicted in 2019 of first-degree assault in the 2017 stabbing of his neighbor, Kate Sanders. At first, Sanders told police her ex-boyfriend was the attacker, who had a documented history of violence and a “toxic relationship” with her. Later, she changed her statement and testified against Lamotte. Lamotte was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2019.
However, in 2020, Sanders admitted her mistake via social media and recanted, saying her earlier testimony had been wrong.
BREAKING: After 9 years behind bars, Brandon Lamotte has been officially exonerated, all because the key witness, Kate Sanders, confessed on social media that she lied under oath and sent an innocent man to prison. She has not been charged.
pic.twitter.com/Lh6lOjXFZj— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 27, 2025
Lamotte’s attorneys from the Exoneration Project fought for years to prove his innocence. They uncovered key evidence that had been withheld during his trial and highlighted Sanders’ repeated recantations. In 2023, the Court of Appeals overturned his conviction, and the state’s highest court allowed that ruling to stand.
Attorney Amy Robinson Staples said,
“Today has been a long time coming for Brandon and his family and friends, who have fought tirelessly for the truth to be exposed.”
This case underscores concerns about wrongful convictions and the reliance on testimony that can later be recanted. Lamotte now begins the difficult process of rebuilding his life after nearly a decade behind bars. Lamotte was about 24-years-old at the time of his conviction.
