A man accused of attempted murder made an appearance in Harlan Circuit Court Thursday.

Boss Saylor, 75, of Wallins, appeared with his attorney Douglas Asher in front of Judge Marc Rosen for a hearing on a motion to suppress filed by the defense.

According to Asher, the motion to suppress involved statements Saylor made to investigators at the time of the incident. Asher argued that Saylor’s statements had been coerced.

“Coercion doesn’t have to be physical. It can be mental,” said Asher.

Asher also argued Saylor’s lack of formal education had caused his client to be confused during interrogation.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Karen Davenport disagreed with Asher’s argument.

“Saylor made no indication he didn’t hear or understand,” Davenport told the court.

Davenport argued all the questions asked of Saylor by authorities were “investigatory” in nature.

Rosen then called the attorneys into chambers for discussion, where they remained for a little over an hour.

Once back in the courtroom, Rosen ruled on the motion.

“The Defendant was advised of his rights,” said Rosen.

Rosen ruled that any statements made after Saylor told investigators he wanted an attorney would be suppressed.

Asher also made a motion to have the jury taken to the scene of the incident, which was denied.

According to previous reports, Saylor is accused of shooting Clifford Napier, 59, of Tremont, multiple times.

Saylor is charged with first-degree assault, attempted murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Trial is set for May 14.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext.113, jasher@civitasmedia.com