Crime & Safety
Mistrial Declared For Man Accused Of Killing Adams County Deputy
An Adams County judge declared a mistrial for Dreion Martise Dearing. The judge cited concerns about the new coronavirus pandemic.
ADAMS COUNTY, CO — Citing concerns over the new coronavirus, a judge declared a mistrial Monday in the case of a man accused of killing an Adams County sheriff's deputy in 2018.
Dreion Martise Dearing was charged with first-degree murder of a police officer, assault, burglary and possession of a weapon by a previous offender in connection with the slaying of Deputy Heath McDonald Gumm.
In an order obtained by KVDR, Adams County District Court Judge Mark Warner said the new coronavirus outbreak has "created a sudden and overwhelming emergency beyond the control of the Court."
Find out what's happening in Arvadafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"While these events stem from one source, the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting events are disparate and have individualized impacts on this case. Additionally, the People filed a motion to withdraw the death penalty from this case on March 30, 2020.”
Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.
Find out what's happening in Arvadafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bringing jurors and witnesses into court amid the COVID-19 pandemic puts everyone involved in the trial at risk, the ruling states. Some prospective jurors "broke down and cried" about the possibility of contracting the virus at court, the document shows. Others were home-schooling their children or had just lost their jobs.
Dearing is accused of killing Deputy Gumm Jan. 24, 2018 in Thornton.
Dearing, then 22, was one of several people involved in an assault, officials said. When Gumm and other officers arrived, Dearing fled and the deputies followed.
Dearing then fired a handgun at officers, striking Gumm in the chest, the sheriff's office said. Gumm was taken to Denver Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.