A Weatherford attorney was appointed Thursday to represent, at least temporarily, the Parker County teenager accused of killing his mother and a younger sister last week.
Jake Evans, 17, has been in the Parker County Jail without an attorney since he was arrested early Oct. 4.A hearing had been set for this morning before 415th state District Judge Graham Quisenberry regarding an application for a court-appointed attorney.But Quisenberry canceled the hearing, saying that since Evans had not actually made an application for an attorney, the hearing was premature.But Quisenberry did appoint Weatherford lawyer Mac Smith to represent Evans until a permanent attorney is selected.That's important, Quisenberry said, because "whatever comes up, I want to make sure he is advised of his rights."He noted that the district attorney's office has not presented the case to a grand jury, and he did not know when that might happen.Evans called 911 shortly before 12:30 a.m. Oct. 4 and told the operator he had fatally shot his mother and sister. Officers who went to the family's home in Annetta South found the bodies of Jami Evans, 48, and Mallory Evans, 15.Their funeral was Wednesday.Quisenberry said he didn't know whether anyone had discussed legal representation with Evans. He noted, however, that Evans is legally old enough to decide on attorney."He essentially is an adult," Quisenberry said. "So he's in a position to call the shots for his defense."Bill Miller, 817-390-7684Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
