Judge gives Cape Girardeau murder suspect more time to hire lawyer

A Bellwood, Ill., man accused of the June killing of 44-year-old Matthew "Woody" Ervin in Cape Girardeau appeared Thursday before Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp, his third time in court without counsel.

Kamp allowed Thomas D. Evans, 20, another chance to hire an attorney and set another counsel status hearing for Aug. 26.

"He hasn't been able to raise enough money to hire private counsel yet, but he thinks he may be close," said Jack Koester, Cape Girardeau County assistant prosecuting attorney.

Evans is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting Ervin near Fountain Street and Park Drive. Police found Ervin dead in the intersection.

Dr. Russell Diediker, who conducted the autopsy, said Ervin was shot from close range, about two feet.

When Evans was first asked about the murder four days after Ervin's death, he told officers he knew nothing about the incident and gave them a false name.

Evans told police stains on his shoes were Kool-Aid, but they later tested positive for blood, according to court documents. In a follow-up interview, an affidavit says, Evans admitted to shooting Ervin.

Evans' bond remains at $2 million.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Fountain Street and Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO