Nathan Leforce, who is the lone suspect in the killing a Logan County deputy in April 2017, was back in the Logan County courtroom on Friday afternoon for what was thought a final pretrial hearing.
The defendant entered the courtroom with medium-length, slick back hair, a trimmed goatee and dressed in an orange Payne County jumpsuit with shackles around his hands, waist and ankles.
With his every move, 12 law enforcement officers, including Sheriff Damon Devereaux, watched throughout the courtroom. As the suspect sat down with his three attorneys, it was noticeable the defendant has gained additional weight since he was last seen in August 2017.
The suspect, who is being housed in the Payne County Jail, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder of Deputy David Wade, who was helping with an eviction notice at a home near Mulhall on April 18, 2017 when he was shot multiple times and later died at OU Medical Center.
The defense attorney, who handles only death penalty cases, asked the court to delay the start of the trial, which was set for October 1. The attorney said his office currently has an influx of cases and that a mitigation expert witness has not been authorized.
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District Attorney Laura Austin Thomas informed District Judge Phillip Corley that her office was ready for the October 1 start date as it was given 11 months ago.
After careful consideration, the judge stated he did not want to delay the case, but also did not want the case to have a reversal. The judge ultimately granted more time for the defendant and gave a December 3 trial date.
Austin-Thomas, who said her office was not informed until Friday’s hearing of a possible trial delay, shared her frustration.
“I am frustrated, and I know the family is frustrated,” Austin-Thomas said.
“It’s not so much that they’re not ready. It’s why they are not ready. It’s this mitigation expert that they put on every single death penalty case and it will be someone that says how life has treated him badly and he should not be given the death penalty.”
Despite her frustration, Austin-Thomas understands the judge’s position.
“Here’s the dilemma. If Judge Corley does not give them time to get one (mitigation expert), in a death penalty case, the slightest error sends it back 18 years later.”
During argument, the defense attorney stated they have offered the district attorney’s office a plea deal of a life sentence without the possibility of parole, but they have refused that offer. While making that announcement, Austin-Thomas was seen shaking her head no as to say there will not be a plea deal.
“This case has no possibility whatsoever of settling. We rejected all offers and we are not going to change our mind,” Austin-Thomas told Guthrie News Page afterwards.
Throughout the hearing, the suspect was seen looking at the three rows of the victim’s family members and officers throughout the courtroom.
After being excused, the suspect shook his attorney’s hands before being escorted back to Payne County with two marked police units and four deputies.
A final pretrial court date was given for November 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Doesn’t matter how long it takes, Nathan. I will see you die. -Jerry W.
Prayers for the family of Officer Wade.