Cortez murder suspect to receive second competency evaluation

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Cortez murder suspect to receive second competency evaluation

Jeremiah Damron to appear in court in June
Jeremiah Damron, center, was arrested last July on suspicion of homicide.

Cortez murder suspect to receive second competency evaluation

Jeremiah Damron, center, was arrested last July on suspicion of homicide.
Timeline

July 20, 2017: The body of Damron’s mother, 62-year-old Kristie Damron, is found apparently beaten and burned to death in his backyard early in the morning. Cortez police and sheriff’s deputies arrest Damron on North Sligo Street at 10:25 a.m.


July 24, 2017: Damron appears in Montezuma County District Court for an advisement hearing. His bail is set at $500,000, and he is ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation through the Colorado Department of Human Services.


July 28, 2017: Damron is charged with first-degree murder. His mental competency hearing is scheduled for Sept. 6, and his preliminary hearing for Sept. 22.


Sept. 6, 2017: Damron’s hearings are delayed after CDHS says the results of his evaluation will not be available until October.


Oct. 17, 2017: Damron is ruled mentally incompetent to participate in his defense. District Judge Todd Plewe orders him to undergo treatment at the CDHS Institute in Pueblo.


Jan. 16, 2018: CDHS requests a delay in Damron’s treatment, and his hearing is postponed to April 3. Plewe turns down a request to reduce bail.


March 2: Damron is deemed competent to proceed by CDHS Institute, according to court records.


April 17, 2018: Plewe grants a defense request for a second assessment. The next competency hearing is June 22.


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