Instead of sentencing, a competency evaluation is next for Devawn Mitchell.
The Emporia man was convicted in January in the death of fellow Emporian Steve Henry almost a year ago. Sentencing was originally planned for March 11, but at a hearing this week, Judge Lee Fowler approved the competency exam. A timeline for results is pending, meaning the sentencing hearing will likely be delayed – and Assistant County Attorney Amy Aranda says the sentencing hearing will only happen if Mitchell is deemed competent.
Mitchell was convicted on all counts against him, including first-degree felony murder, aggravated assault on law enforcement and felony flee and elude, after a two-day bench trial. Mitchell had been accused of leading local law enforcement on at least two pursuits and continuing at high speed — after a chase had been halted — before his car ran into Henry’s truck on West Sixth near Lawrence. Henry was pronounced dead at the scene.
