HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The man accused of shooting and killing a Harris County deputy was expected , but did not appear, in a downtown Houston courtroom Wednesday.
Shannon Miles, 31, is charged with capital murder in the death of Deputy Darren Goforth. The motive for the shooting was revealed after a grand jury formally indicted Miles for capital murder last month.
Prosecutors say Miles targeted Goforth earlier this year simply because he was a member of law enforcement, but Miles' attorney says so far, the defense team has been unable to communicate rationally with Miles in jail.
The defense says Miles has a history of mental illness and they are trying to evaluate his mental competence.
"I see issues involving episodal psychosis is probably a big issue. Bipolar disorder is probably going to be a major factor," attorney Anthony Osso said.
Miles was committed to mental hospitals in 2010 and after he attacked a man in Austin in 2012.
Judge Susan Brown postponed arraignment until January 13, 2016 in order to give the defense time to finish the assessment.