Jayson Sowas, who is facing charges related to a fatal shooting in Maite, Guam, is expected to go to trial after completing a mental health evaluation. Sowas appeared in the Superior Court of Guam on Monday, where Judge Vernon Perez revealed the results of the evaluation. The evaluation, which was set to be completed in mid-November, will determine Sowas’ psychological fitness to stand trial. Despite the evaluation, Judge Perez stated that the case will remain before his court. Typically, mental health evaluations are ordered when defendants plead not guilty by reason of mental illness.
During the hearing, Judge Perez expressed interest in hearing from Sowas’ defense counsel, Tyler Scott from the Alternate Public Defender division, regarding the assertion of Sowas’ right to a speedy trial. Scott mentioned the possibility of a secondary evaluation and stated that he would need to discuss the matter with Sowas. Judge Perez granted Sowas time to consult with Scott before the next hearing, scheduled for December 11.
Sowas is accused of shooting and killing Benedic Beram in front of the Hi-5 Logo shop in Maite on September 9. According to court documents, Sowas was reported to the Guam Police Department for allegedly making threats at a laundromat in Maite. After leaving the laundromat, Sowas allegedly shot Beram. When questioned by the police, Sowas claimed not to know the victim and stated that he had no reason for threatening people. Sowas has been charged with murder as a first-degree felony, aggravated assault as a second-degree felony, burglary of an automobile as a second-degree felony, and theft of a firearm as a third-degree felony, with special allegations of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony.
