WATERTOWN, S.D. (KELO.com) — An attorney for the Moorhead, Minnesota teenager charged with murdering a Watertown woman two years ago appears to be working toward a potential mental illness defense for his client.
At a status hearing today for 18-year-old Gage Stevenson, his lawyer requested a psychiatric evaluation for Stevenson to be paid for by Codington County.
At an earlier hearing, attorney Tom Sannes questioned Stevenson’s competency to, “fully understand the charges against him,” and that he needed more time to obtain Stevenson’s medical records before determining. “how to proceed.”
Stevenson is alleged to have been driving a vehicle at a high rate of speed on Highway 212 in Watertown around 5:00 a.m. on the morning of September 17, 2019, intentionally swerving into the path of an oncoming car driven by 43-year-old Dawn Meyer, who was on her way to work.
Police said it was a failed attempt by Stevenson to take his own life.
Meyer was killed in the crash.
Stevenson is charged via a Codington County Grand Jury indictment with First Degree Felony Murder.
He’s jailed on one million dollars cash bond or surety.
(Mike Tanner, KWAT, contributed this report.)
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