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Blount Co. fugitive's brother asks for bond reduction after being charged in connection to shooting of 2 deputies

Marcus DeHart is charged with aiding his brother, Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., in connection to a shooting that killed a Blount County deputy and wounded another.

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — Update (2/13 at 4:30 p.m.): The Blount County Sheriff's Office and TBI announced Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon in East Knoxville. You can read more about his arrest at this link.

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Original Story:

Marcus DeHart, the brother of a fugitive accused of shooting and killing a Blount County deputy last week, appeared in a Blount County Courtroom on Monday afternoon.

DeHart is charged with accessory after the fact in connection to the fatal shooting of Blount County Sheriff's Office Deputy Greg McCowan and the non-fatal shooting of Deputy Shelby Eggers.

His brother, Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and one count of felon in possession of a weapon. Deputies said Marcus DeHart had a hand in helping his brother escape after the shooting.

Marcus DeHart wasn't in court for very long on Monday morning and his attorney, Scott Lanzon of Knoxville, told Blount General Sessions Court Judge William K. Brewer that his client wasn't guilty. He filed a motion for a lower bond due to the nature of the charge.

Lanzon argued DeHart's bond, which was set at $1 million, is too high.

Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond argued the bond amount was appropriate based on the nature of the crime.

According to the arrest warrant in the case, Marcus "knowingly and intentionally" provided aid to his brother in a way that hindered his arrest by authorities.

Lanzon told WBIR after the hearing he didn't have any comment past what he said in court.

The bond hearing is set for 9 a.m. Thursday.

Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. has not been arrested as of Monday evening. Authorities said the reward for information leading to his capture now exceeds $100,000.

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