One of the suspects allegedly involved in the January 2019 triple homicide was deemed competent to stand trial at a hearing held Monday in Daviess County Circuit Court.
Cylar L. Shemwell, 32, underwent a competency hearing Monday, which was overseen by Dr. Timothy Allen. After the competency hearing, Shemwell — one of two suspects allegedly involved in a shooting incident that killed three people and severely injured one other — was determined competent to stand trial for three counts of murder and one count of first-degree assault.
Shemwell was previously admitted to the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center (KCPC) on May 29, but none of Shemwell’s medical records have been made public thus far.
KCPC operates under the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and provides services for behavioral and mental health issues, as well as intellectual disabilities. One of the facility’s programs includes a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital that provides pre-trial forensic evaluations to determine mentally ill individuals’ competency to stand trial.
The program also provides inpatient treatment for individuals convicted of felony offenses who are transferred from other institutions within the Corrections Cabinet.
Allen, who conducted Monday’s competency hearing, was the same doctor who oversaw Shemwell during his stay at KCPC in May.
Shemwell is being charged for the January 17 shooting that left Jay M. Sowders, Robbie D. Smith, Jr., and Christopher Carie dead, while Carmen Vanegas sustained life-threatening injuries. The shooting occurred in the basement of a home on Audubon Avenue.
Arnett B. Baines, 31, was also charged with three counts of murder and one count of first-degree assault, as well as tampering with physical evidence, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, torture of a dog/cat with serious physical injury or death and two fugitive warrants.
Daviess County Commonwealth’s Attorney is currently seeking the death penalty for both suspects.
A trial date has not been set for Shemwell as of yet. A status hearing will be held on Jan. 27, 2020.
