NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Curtis Watson made his initial appearance in Lauderdale County court Wednesday, where a judge set a date for a preliminary hearing.
Watson, the inmate accused of killing Tennessee Department of Correction administrator Debra Johnson, sparked a five-day manhunt in West Tennessee before he was captured on Sunday.
He appeared in court via electronic video/audio equipment, where he was arraigned on charges of escape, aggravated sexual battery and first-degree murder. He's being represented by a public defender.
The arraignment hearing has concluded, he is expected back in court in September. pic.twitter.com/TdKBptsizU
— Dept of Correction (@TNTDOC1) August 14, 2019
A judge set a preliminary hearing for 1:30p.m. on September 25.
He's accused of sexually assaulting and strangling TDOC administrator Debra Johnson before escaping the prison last week, prompting a statewide Blue Alert.
Read more: What’s next in the Curtis Watson case now that he’s in custody
Watson was captured Sunday morning, just 10 miles from the West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Henning. He was eventually found in a soybean field after neighbors spotted him on one of their security cameras.
The director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Watson confessed to authorities that he knew he wasn't going to get away because of the number of law enforcement looking for him.
Watson's public defender requested Watson get a mental health evaluation before the preliminary hearing.
Julie Pillow said, "First of all they determine competency, and second of all they determine insanity.”
Pillow and Mark Davidson are with the district attorney's office. Davidson said Watson was handed back over to TDOC. As a maximum security prisoner, he was taken on Wednesday to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.
Davidson said, “I am confident that they are taking the necessary measures to keep him secure.”
Davidson said they plan on meeting with Debra Johnson’s family to discuss the death penalty and other aspects of the case. Johnson's visitation is Thursday and her funeral is on Friday.
“I feel that it’s beneficial for the family’s peace of mind to know that he’s in custody that charges are pending, that a prosecution has begun that can allow them to focus on remembering and honoring their mother," Davidson said.
More stories:
Escaped inmate Curtis Watson captured after five day manhunt, could face death penalty
Murdered TDOC employee was sexually assaulted, died of strangulation
Funeral arrangements announced for murdered TDOC employee, Debra Johnson
Escapee Curtis Watson had special privileges easing his escape
Funeral arrangements announced for murdered TDOC employee, Debra Johnson
Debra Johnson's children say they forgive the man who killed their mother
