A mental evaluation has been ordered for the man who killed a Stone County deputy earlier this month. Deputy Justin Smith was killed as he was serving a warrant at the residence of 52-year-old Clinton Hefton.
Court documents indicate Circuit Judge Tim Weaver ordered a criminal responsibility examination of the Stone County man.
Hefton is charged with capital murder for the shooting death of Deputy Smith. His defense lawyers say due to mental disease or defect, Hefton may not “…have been fully able to fully appreciate the criminality of the conduct of which he is accused…”
The shooting happened Jan. 2 at Hefton’s home north of Mountain View as Deputy Smith approached the house. Hefton is alleged to have opened his door and opened fire on the deputy. The deputy retreated to his vehicle for cover, but Hefton followed and continued shooting as the deputy sat in the front seat.
Responding deputies apprehended Hefton a short time later after a brief stand off.
Hefton is being held in the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility in Little Rock without bond.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI