Deputy Goforth's accused killer may face new competency hearing
HARRIS COUNTY (KTRK) -- A year after Deputy Darren Goforth was gunned down outside this gas station, there's still no motive for the murder.
"I don't know if we know anymore today about what was in his mind at the time then we did that night it's still puzzling I think to many people why he would do such a thing," Sheriff Ron Hickman said.
Accused killer Shannon Miles has been at the North Texas State Hospital, ordered to go there for treatment after he was found incompetent to stand trial. He's heading back to Harris County after state doctors believe Miles is now competent.
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"It's important for us to communicate with our client, and we'll get a good understanding over the next few weeks, if he's competent," defense attorney Anthony Osso said. "If we disagree we'll certainly make that point known to the court."
Legal experts say the doctors orders aren't the final say in the case.
"The jury or the court decides whether you're competent, not some healthcare professional," abc13 legal analyst Joel Androphy said. "The healthcare experts could have input but the issue is legal competency. Whether you have a reasonable understanding of the charges and whether you can consult with your lawyer with a reasonable degree of a rational understanding of the case."
If decided by a judge or a jury, the case will move forward to the final phase of a trial. Long time coming in a case full of twists and turns: an alleged mistress and investigators terminated.
Sheriff Hickman says he's just looking for that day of final justice and closure.
"I think we're all looking forward to the day where we can look back on the Goforth case being completed and continue to look for it," Hickman added. "I've said several times this seems to be that case that keeps on giving. And we certainly look for the day where this can be history to us."
