OXFORD, Miss. — A former Oxford police officer pleaded not guilty Monday in the May murder of Dominique Clayton, a woman with whom he was allegedly in a relationship.
Matthew Kinne stood before a judge in Oxford for an arraignment on a capital murder charge, which is punishable by the death penalty. He was indicted in August.
When asked if he had anything to say to Clayton’s family, Kinne stayed silent with his head down.
Clayton, a 32-year-old mother of four, was found shot dead in her Oxford home May 19.
Clayton’s family said Monday it’s a relief Kinne was indicted and formally charged but they know there’s a long road ahead.
“The kids are having a tough time you know the holidays are approaching, for the first time, you know they’ve never spent a holiday without their mom,” said Reggie Clayton, the victim’s cousin. “You know, she’s missing their football seasons, first day of school. The 8-year-old, he’s really catching it. He’s the one that found her.”
While the loss has forced the Clayton family to come together even more, their attorney says two other Oxford police officers were forced to resign.
City officials say due to Mississippi law they could not comment on the resignations.
“He’s gonna have to pay for what he did and you know we just want justice for her. That’s all we want,” said Carolyn Clayton, the victim’s aunt.
Kinne’s attorney would not comment after the hearing. It’s unclear when he will be in court again.