Update as of March 11: Coverage will not resume due to the ruling of restricted public access to all future filings.
Jonathan Lee Sovine, who was arrested on charges of attempted first degree murder, use of a weapon to commit violent crime, attempted assault with a deadly weapon, menacing and disorderly conduct, appeared in court on Feb. 11 for a preliminary hearing.
According to previous Scribe reporting, Sovine is accused of confronting a student in Alpine Village before producing a handgun and firing at least one round before fleeing on foot. The student was not injured.
Typically, preliminary hearings are when a judge determines if there is substantial evidence to try a case in front of a jury, however, the defense filed a motion for a mental health evaluation of Sovine to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial. Judge Eric Bentley approved the motion and ordered a competency evaluation.
Bentley said the motion raised enough concerns to justify a formal evaluation, and Sovine will be examined by at least one mental‑health professional.
Sovine was advised that statements made during the evaluation may be used at trial, and, if he is found incompetent, the case will pause while he is committed to the Department of Human Services. If Sovine is found competent, then the case will continue to trial.
Bentley ruled to temporarily restrict public access to all future filings, granting the defense’s request to file documents under suppressed status until the court rules on the issue.
The district attorney was given 14 days to submit a written response to request permanent restricted access.
A motion to impose a temporary gag order to prohibit attorneys, witnesses, the victim — who wishes to remain anonymous to the public — and other involved parties from discussing details with the media and public due to sensitive information was dismissed by the court. The judge said the prosecution is expected to meet ethical standards without a gag order.
The court set the next hearing for March 11 at 8:30 a.m. to review the evaluation results and revisit bond, which is currently set at $500,000.
Jonathan Lee Sovine’s mug shot. Photo by Colorado Springs Police Department.