(KCCR – Pierre, SD) A competency hearing for a Pierre murder defendant was scheduled for Monday at the Hughes County Courthouse. That hearing became a status hearing in the case because, according to Hughes County States Attorney Jessica LaMie, the mental competency of Miranda Henry is not an issue at the moment…
LaMie says both sides have all of information needed to present their cases…
No new motions in the case were made Monday. An evidentiary and suppression hearing is scheduled for early December. Some of the issues attorneys will address in December are how to handle the 180 day rule and Henry’s right to a trial in that time as Covid protocols have since changes. Also at issue is addressing Henry’s plea; as one of two not guilty plea includes by reason of insanity. Judge Christina Klinger asked Henry how she preferred to be addressed; as Henry or Crystal Pumpkinseed. She responded Henry. The 38 year-old is charged with second-degree murder for the death of 49 year-old Christopher Mexican. His body was found by Pierre police following a disturbance call at the Pierre Inn and Suites on February 9th.
