Highland County attempted murder case placed on inactive docket

The attempted murder case involving a juvenile defendant in Highland County Common Pleas Court was moved to the inactive docket Monday, after the juvenile entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

As previously reported, P.K., 17, is accused of “purposely and knowingly and with sufficient culpability for commission of a violation of 2903.02(A) of the Revised Code, engaging in conduct that, if successful, would constitute or result in a violation of 2903.02(A) of the Revised Code, to wit: murder.”

On Feb. 20 at 8:46 a.m., the Highland County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a shooting in the Rocky Fork Lake region of Paint Township. 

Upon officers' arrival, a juvenile was taken into custody by deputies, according to Sheriff Randy Sanders.

The victim was transported from the scene by Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to assist with the crime scene. 

The suspect was previously charged with attempted murder in Highland County Juvenile Court before the case was bound over to Common Pleas Court due to the type of offense charged.

The juvenile’s attorney, Jacob Wagoner, filed a not guilty by reason of insanity plea on the juvenile’s behalf April 10, along with a motion for psychiatric evaluation to determine the juvenile’s competency to stand trial. 

According to an entry dated April 13 and signed by Judge Rocky Coss, “The defendant having requested evaluation of his competency to stand trial, the Court orders that this matter be placed on the inactive docket until such time as the results of said evaluation are received.”

The judge also signed orders Monday for an evaluation of the juvenile’s mental condition at the time of the alleged commission of the offense and for an evaluation of the juvenile’s competence to stand trial. 

An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.