State v. Mathenia

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Six, J.:

Willard Parnell Mathenia appeals his convictions of premeditated first-degree murder, K.S.A. 21-3401, and aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer, K.S.A. 21-3415. Mathenia’s convictions resulted from the death of Officer Mark Avery and the severe injuries inflicted upon Officer Michael Bidatsch at Lansing Correctional Facility on May 22, 1993 (the Lansing incident). The primary issue concerns defendant Mathenia’s constitutional right to a speedy trial.

The facts surrounding the Lansing incident are familiar to this court. See State…