MARYVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Kenneth DeHart, the man accused of killing Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan, pleaded not guilty to all 21 charges he’s facing, including premediated first-degree murder.
DeHart’s case is once again in circuit court after Judge Tammy Harrington granted him a new preliminary hearing. That came after a lengthy back-and-forth where it was decided DeHart didn’t get the time he needed to hire a private lawyer before his first court appearances.
Last month, more than 100 people spoke for his first preliminary hearing, including officials with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Maryville Police Department, Alcoa Police Department and AMR. Among those who spoke was Shelby Eggers, another Blount County deputy DeHart was accused of shooting and injuring.
DeHart is facing charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder. If convicted, Blount County District Attorney Ryan Desmond has said his office will seek the death penalty.
