BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — A judge ruled Tuesday there's probable cause to believe Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. shot and killed Blount County Sheriff's Office Deputy Greg McCowan, sending the case to the grand jury for a second time.

DeHart, 43, faces more than a dozen charges, including a premeditated first-degree murder charge and attempted first-degree murder in the Feb. 8, 2024, death of McCowan. Authorities say DeHart also shot and wounded another deputy, Shelby Eggers, that evening.

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

After Tuesday's hearing of more than fou

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