Trial is fast approaching for Devawn Mitchell if the current schedule holds.
The Emporia man is accused of murder and other charges in the traffic death of fellow Emporian Steve Henry last March. Mitchell has a pretrial hearing at 4 pm Wednesday, with a bench trial set to begin next week.
Mitchell is accused of first-degree felony murder, aggravated assault on law enforcement and felony flee and elude. He is accused of killing Henry on March 18 as part of a traffic crash on West Sixth between Chestnut and Lawrence. Local law enforcement say they broke off a pursuit before the wreck because of unsafe speeds and other traffic conditions.
Bench trials are moving forward through Lyon County District Court at this time. Because of the current surge in COVID-19 cases, jury trials are on hold until at least Valentine’s Day.
