Burlington, IA- The murder trial of a Burlington man accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend is underway. The trial of 27-year-old Kevin Lee of Burlington began Wednesday with opening statements and witness testimony. The Burlington Beacon reports that Lee is accused of First Degree Murder and Domestic Abuse Assault in the November 2020 death of his girlfriend, 24-year-old Riley Degn Smith-Hanna of Burlington. Lee, who is representing himself, declined to give an opening statement Wednesday. Des Moines County Attorney Lisa Schaeffer and Assistant County Attorney Christopher Scarborough are representing the State of Iowa in the case, with Judge John Wright presiding over the case.
Burlington, IA- A Burlington man accused of murder has been deemed competent to stand trial. The Hawk Eye reports that 27 year old Kevin Lee of Burlington is charged with the murder of 24 year old Riley Degn Smith-Hanna. A motion was filled in November by one of Lee's attorneys, requesting a hearing for a competency evaluation. After multiple hearings and a psychiatric evaluation at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville, a Judge ruled that Lee was competent to stand trial. The trial for Lee is set to begin on May 24th.