Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that 26-year-old Columbia, Missouri resident Scharron R. Dingledine appeared this morning in the Division Six courtroom of the Honorable Peggy C. Kittel for a non-evidentiary hearing.  Dingledine is charged with one count of first degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder.

At the hearing, Dingledine’s court appointed defense attorney notified the Court a motion will be filed in the case to determine competency.  The Court set the case over for a status hearing to be held on August 28 at 9:30 a.m. and bond remains at $1,000,000 cash/surety.

It is anticipated no further updates will be available until after Dingledine’s next court date.

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Charges are merely allegations of criminal conduct. 

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*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor