BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — An Alcoa man charged with killing a Blount County Sheriff's Office deputy during a traffic stop in February 2024 is due back in court Tuesday.

Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., 43, faces more than a dozen charges, including a premeditated first-degree murder charge and attempted first-degree murder in the death of BCSO Deputy Greg McCowan.

Authorities say DeHart also shot and wounded another deputy, Shelby Eggers, that evening.

DeHart on Tuesday will get a new preliminary hearing, which is similar to a miniature trial, after Blount County Judge Tammy Harrington earlier this year ruled he was denied his constitutional right to an attorney of his choosing during court hearings immediately following his 2024 arrest.

DeHart had said he wanted to retain his own counsel. Inste

See Full Page