Pre-Trial Hearing for Suspect in Oconee County Deputy Shooting

Gregory Maxwell, the man charged with attempting to murder an Oconee County deputy in 2023, made his latest court appearance on Thursday.

Maxwell is accused of shooting Corporal Lucas Watts in the head while the deputy sat inside his patrol vehicle. During the hearing, the judge sided with prosecutors on key motions. He ordered the release of Maxwell’s previously sealed mental competency evaluation and formally ruled that both the initial traffic stop and the pursuit that followed were lawful. The decision regarding the chase stemmed from reports that Maxwell was driving with a counterfeit tag.

Testimony from Cpl. Watts’ colleague indicated that when deputies gave him one final chance to provide identification, he sped away, sparking a high-speed pursuit. According to court documents, Maxwell has refused a public defender, claiming he does not recognize the government’s authority over him.

His trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 18.