A recent ruling by the Supreme Court means that the Kansas Attorney General’s office has withdrawn a notice of intent to seek the “hard 50” against former Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center instructor Brett Secat. 

Seacat was found guilty in the shooting of his wife, Vashti last month. He was also convicted of setting their Kingman home on fire and endangering the lives of his two boys.  
Amy Hanley, prosecuting attorney, had said shortly after the verdict the state would ask the judge to consider a “hard 50” sentence for Seacat, meaning he would not be eligible for parole for 50 years. However Supreme Court Justices ruled juries, and not judges, should consider the facts in trials that could result in longer minimum sentences.   

Since the jury isn’t involved in the sentencing phase in Seacat’s trial, the “hard 50” no longer applies.

Secat will be sentenced in Kingman County District Court August 5th.