The trial of a man charged with first degree murder in the commission of a felony in the case that involved the death of Heather Briggs last July will begin today in Paola. 29-year-old Kevin Stevens will face trial for his involvement in the night Briggs was killed in a drug deal gone bad west of Paola. Seven people were originally arrested and charged in the case. Five of those have already been sentenced after accepting plea deals. However, Stevens and Micheal Pearce both have pled not guilty.
According to the Miami County Republic, Stevens attorney, John Boyd, of Ottawa has insisted throughout all the hearings that Stevens never wanted to be part of the drug deal and was actually asleep in the vehicle when it was taking place, and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The five who took plea deals, pleaded guilty to lesser charges of involuntary manslaughter and distribution of methamphetamine. Part of the deal involves them to testify, if called upon in the trials for Stevens and Pearce. Pearce’s attorney has requested a change in the venue for his trial and a hearing is set for September 12th.
