A judge has ruled that Kenneth DeHart, the man accused of shooting two Blount County Sheriff’s deputies in February 2024, is entitled to a second preliminary hearing — a significant development in a case that has garnered widespread public attention across Tennessee and beyond.

The decision to grant DeHart a second preliminary hearing follows mounting legal arguments from his defense team, who contended that the initial hearing, held shortly after his arrest, was marred by procedural deficiencies and lacked crucial evidentiary safeguards. DeHart is facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, stemming from the violent incident in which Deputies Greg McCowan and Shelby Eggers were shot during a routine traffic stop.

Deputy McCowan tragically lost his life in the line of duty, while Deputy Eggers survived her injuries. The incident sparked a massive manhunt across Blount County and surrounding areas, culminating in DeHart’s arrest after several days on the run. His capture marked the beginning of a high-profile legal battle that has since drawn scrutiny to the way local law enforcement and the judicial system are handling the case.

During the original preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented evidence they said tied DeHart directly to the shooting, including ballistic reports, body camera footage, and witness testimony. However, DeHart’s legal counsel argued that the defense was not given adequate time to prepare, nor were they granted full access to some of the prosecution’s key materials. In addition, they claimed that the hearing failed to meet the threshold for due process, particularly given the severity of the charges and the public attention surrounding the case.

Judge Melissa K. Holloway, who presided over the latest motion hearing, acknowledged the gravity of the allegations against DeHart but ultimately sided with the defense’s argument that procedural fairness must be upheld — even in cases involving violence against law enforcement officers. In her written ruling, Judge Holloway stated, “Our justice system must remain impartial and grounded in due process. Given the circumstances of the initial hearing and the weight of the charges, the court finds it appropriate to grant a second preliminary hearing to ensure the defendant’s constitutional rights are fully observed.”

The second preliminary hearing, now scheduled for late June, will give both the prosecution and defense another opportunity to present and challenge evidence. Legal analysts say the renewed hearing could also offer a clearer window into the prosecution’s strategy, as they work to build a case that could potentially carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Blount County District Attorney Ryan Desmond expressed disappointment in the ruling but vowed to move forward vigorously. “We remain committed to seeking justice for the victims, their families, and this community,” Desmond said in a statement following the decision. “We will be fully prepared to reassert our case in the next hearing and continue pursuing justice for Deputy McCowan and Deputy Eggers.”

Meanwhile, the law enforcement community has responded to the ruling with a mix of respect and frustration. Sheriff James Lee Berrong released a measured statement, noting, “While we respect the judicial process, we continue to mourn the loss of Deputy McCowan and pray for the continued recovery of Deputy Eggers. Our focus remains on supporting their families and ensuring that justice is served.”

Public opinion around the case remains intense, with many in the community still reeling from the trauma of the February shooting. Vigils, memorials, and fundraising efforts for the deputies’ families have continued, and the courtroom developments are being followed closely by both residents and law enforcement supporters across the state.

As Kenneth DeHart prepares to appear once more before a judge, the renewed preliminary hearing promises to be a pivotal moment in a case that has already become emblematic of the tensions, challenges, and responsibilities facing the American criminal justice system in the wake of violence against those sworn to protect and serve.