Suspects in fatal apartment shooting appear in court

Kobe Leichman, 16, Marquese Prochia, 20, and Traivon Jefferson, 17, are suspected of shooting a minor at the Preston Apartments in Magnolia on Dec. 4, 2020. The minor died as a result of injuries from being shot.

Leichman’s lawyer, Ron Davis Jr., filed a motion for his client to have a mental evaluation to determine his fitness to proceed with the case. He also requested his client to be transferred to juvenile court following the results of the mental evaluation. He noted that his client is a minor, having been arrested at sixteen, and stated that procedures for his client should be held in juvenile court, including plea agreements.

“If there is a question about his competency in this matter, it would be questionable for Kobe to enter a plea in Juvenile court,” said Judge David Talley.

Davis also said Leichman is facing a parole violation from an unrelated case in Union County and that he was concerned Leichman would be held at an adult facility in Union County when his revocation hearing takes place. Talley said he believes Leichman will be held at a juvenile detention facility when that takes place, but noted that he was not entirely certain.

He told Davis he would look into it and it would be discussed prior to Leichman’s revocation hearing.

Since Davis filed a motion to have Leichman evaluated, Talley stated that there would be a mandatory 60 day waiting period before the Leichman’s next hearing. Leichman is scheduled to return to court on July 15.

Prochia’s lawyer David James stated during his hearing that he and prosecuting attorney Ryan Phillips would meet on May 11 and Prochia’s next hearing was scheduled for June 21.

Jefferson was represented by Lott Rolfe, who stated he had spoken with prosecutors about the case on several occasions. He stated that he and his client needed time to review a plea deal and that they should come to a hard decision by May 20. Jefferson’s next hearing is scheduled for July 1.

McNeil Apartment shooting

Jerry Pritchard, 31, had a short hearing on May 6, with attorney Jeff Harrelson representing him. Pritchard is suspected in the shootings of Saquanna Young and Veronica Smith at Young’s apartment. Young passed away shortly after being shot.

Harrelson told the court that on May 5, he received 500 pages of medical and mental health records and needed time to review them. He requested that the case be passed to July 1; his request was granted.

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