District Court Dec. 30

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, Dec. 30, with Judge Steven Kosach presiding, sitting in for Judge Thomas Stockard.

Kevin Jay Chico was not present for a Competency Hearing as he continues to decline to appear in court. To be deemed competent in criminal cases, defendants must be able to understand the legal proceedings, including the charges filed against them, communicate with their lawyer, recall facts, and assist in their own defense.

Judge Kosach stated that the court was in possession of evaluations by Drs. Pierson and Patterson who found Chico not currently competent, but likely able to be restored to competency.

Chico was charged in 2024 with Petit Larceny, Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery of an Elderly Victim, First Degree Kidnapping, Own or Possess a Firearm as a Prohibited Person, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford stated the state wishes to traverse the findings (review for the purpose of formally challenging or disputing the evaluation findings) and requested an Evidentiary Hearing. Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer said that, based on the evaluation findings, he would like his client placed at Lake's Crossing for competency-restoration treatment. 

Judge Kosach ruled that an Evidentiary Hearing was needed and stated a date would be set administratively.

Cory Michael Cone’s sentencing on two Category B Felonies was continued to January 6.

Cone was charged with Attempt to Commit Murder, punishable by 2–20   years in prison, and First Degree Arson, punishable by 2–15 years in prison.

Court documents state that on or about Oct. 3, 2024, Cone did, with malice aforethought, deliberately and with premeditation, attempt to kill Robert J. Shivner by setting fire to a dwelling, house, or other structure. Specifically, the Criminal Complaint alleges Cone placed gasoline under Shivner’s home and ignited it, resulting in a fire that engulfed the dwelling.

Hearings for Susan Lynch and Lauren Nicole Gilmore were continued with dates to be set administratively.