By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
The 21st Circuit Court of West Virginia heard cases recently at the Tucker County Courthouse in Parsons. The Honorable Judge James W. Courrier, Jr. presided over the day’s docket.
The first case of the day regarded the dispensation of funds being held by the court in a case between the WV Department of Highways and brothers James and William Minear. The court ruled that a settlement amount was to be dispersed equally between the brothers and is to be issued in two separate checks, one to each Minear brother.
Attorney Brent Easton appeared in person, as did both the Minear brothers. Representation for the WV DOH appeared via video. Also, during the proceedings, Easton was released as guardian in the case.
The court also heard a motion from Attorney Morris Davis who was representing Dustin Stemple in a criminal complaint. Both Davis and Tucker County Prosecuting Attorney Savannah Hull Wilkins were present in person, along with Stemple.
In the motion, Davis requested that his client be examined for criminal responsibility due to what the defense asserted was a negative interaction with law enforcement that led to a struggle and Stemple being transported by ambulance. Davis also said that it was evident from video evidence that Stemple became catatonic during the ambulance ride. Davis also said that his client has been diagnosed with bipolar depression and that mental health was a concern.
“I think it’s necessary to have him evaluated,” Davis said.
There was no objection from the State and the defense did not feel that a competency hearing was needed at this point. The court granted the motion and the evaluation is being set up by the defense.
The court also heard the pretrial statements in the case of the State vs Jeffrey Hebb. Hebb appeared in court with his attorney Brent Easton. Tucker County Prosecuting Attorney Savannah Hull Wilkins represented the state in the case.
Easton said that he and his client had discussed the plea agreement proposed, but that Hebb desired to go to trial in the case. A jury trial date was set by the court for August 1. The court also reiterated a no contact provision from Hebb’s arraignment hearing that continues to be the condition of bond.
Also during the court proceedings, several civil cases had trial dates set as well as dates for pretrial appearances and other related deadlines.