Khayla Dawson Refuses Court-Ordered Mental Health Exam
The defendant in a Colorado Springs murder case twice declined to participate in a mandated mental health evaluation.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Khayla Dawson, who faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of 38-year-old Jeremy Campbell, has refused to participate in a court-ordered mental health evaluation. Defense experts reported that the 27-year-old defendant turned down the exam twice since it was ordered in March.
Why it matters
The evaluation was requested by the defense team to address questions regarding Dawson's legal competency to stand trial. Determining this competency is a critical step in the judicial process that can affect the progression of the murder case.
A competency report was previously filed in August 2026 as part of the ongoing case against the 27-year-old defendant. The court continues to evaluate the findings following the initial order for examination issued in March 2026.
The players
Khayla Dawson
She is a 27-year-old defendant currently facing a first-degree murder charge in El Paso County.
Jeremy Campbell
The 38-year-old victim was found deceased in a field north of Colorado Springs.
Eric Bentley
He is the judge presiding over the competency proceedings and the murder case in El Paso County.
The details
Jeremy Campbell was killed in October 2025, with his body later discovered in a field north of Colorado Springs. Judge Eric Bentley is now overseeing a resolution on the defendant's competency following the defense expert's report that the evaluation could not proceed.
Timeline
October 2025: Victim Jeremy Campbell was killed.
March 2026: The court ordered a mental health evaluation.
April 2026: The original trial date was vacated.
August 2026: A competency report was filed.
October 29, 2026: Defense expert is scheduled to present findings.
Health Landscape
This case follows the established precedent set by the Dusky v. United States competency standard regarding the necessary mental health assessment of a defendant. It highlights the complexities of navigating trial readiness when a defendant refuses the psychiatric evaluation process.
The refusal of an evaluation necessitates further court intervention to determine how to proceed with the legal process. Residents of the area can expect continued legal activity as the court determines the competency status required for the murder trial to move forward.
The takeaway
Competency evaluations serve as a vital safeguard in the judicial system to ensure all defendants can participate meaningfully in their own defense. Delays in these assessments can significantly postpone trial timelines and the resolution of criminal charges.
What happens next
A hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2026, where the defense expert will present findings regarding the defendant's competency to the court.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of law and mental health on our Substance Abuse page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Springs Gazette.
