BLOUNTVILLE — A Kingsport man accused of the attempted first-degree murder of a first cousin during an alleged Oct. 18, 2008, home invasion and robbery is now set for an Aug. 20 retrial.
Steven Anthony Ruth, 43, 120 Rock Springs Drive, Kingsport, was previously scheduled to be retried this week on attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary, especially aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
The trial date was postponed earlier this month, with the defense requesting a continuance due to difficulty in locating a witness, and the new trial date was picked on Monday. Ruth was first tried in December 2010.
At the end of that trial, during which Ruth was represented by attorney Gene Scott, the jury foreman advised they could not collectively agree whether to convict Ruth of any of the original charges or any lesser included offenses, and a mistrial was declared. Ruth is represented by attorney Matthew King.