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A Houghton man accused of murder was ruled competent to stand trial by the 97th district court last week. Evan Dixon 60 years old of Houghton, faces first-degree pre-meditated murder and felony firearm charges related to the fatal shooting of Theron Duncan in November 2023 at the Douglas House Saloon in Houghton. Dixon underwent a psychological evaluation with the State Center for Forensic Psychology.
Based on the center’s report findings, county prosecutor Dan Helmer and defense attorney Karl Numinen agreed on Dixon’s competency. Dixon has been held in the Houghton County Jail since November. He was denied bond in January. A decision was made by the court to protect his safety. Defense attorney Numinen did request a criminal responsibility evaluation at Friday’s hearing. The court has set aside June 28th for a preliminary hearing in the case. County Prosecutor Helmer and defense attorney Numinen will meet before the hearing to work out scheduling and the return of some of Dixon’s property that was seized in a search warrant.
If found guilty Dixon faces life in prison and a two-year sentence for the firearms charge.
