Deputy Goforth case: Shannon Miles transfer to state hospital delayed
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Deputy Darren Goforth's accused killer Shannon Miles' transfer to state hospital is now delayed for two weeks, after an emergency court hearing Monday.
The hearing was to determine if the judge should grant a defense request to not expedite Miles' transfer to the North Texas state hospital in Vernon. Last week, Miles was declared incompetent to stand trial. However, because of persistent backlogs in mental health beds, it was expected to take several months for him to be transferred out of the Harris County Jail.
Then, State Sen. John Whitmire stepped in to "fast track" the move.
"I felt like it was a good judgment call to get him out of the Harris County Jail because he was guarded and confined by coworkers of the person he's charged of killing," Whitmire said last week.
That request didn't sit well with Miles' attorney, so he requested today's emergency hearing.
"There's a thing among inmates that every man for himself. So every time an inmate is shown favoritism over the other individual housed over him, we always worry about him," said defense attorney Anthony Osso. "It just raises concerns for my client. His mental health is my primary concern."
Meanwhile, activist Quanell X is criticizing the investigation into the murder of Deputy Goforth, calling for the Texas Rangers to take over. Over the weekend, Quanell X and his supporters held a rally, where he said investigation has been compromised by Goforth's alleged mistress, who was with the deputy when he was gunned down. Quanell X says he now questions whether she may have known Miles as well. He says he has direct eyewitness testimony.
"If he has a name we just ask him to come forward with it," said Otto, "To date, we get all sorts of tips from people but we get them anonymously."
Miles will stay in the Harris County Jail for two weeks. At that point, another court hearing will be held to determine when he should be transferred to the mental health facility.
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