Sentencing for kidnapper postponed after ‘violent attack’ at jail
Published at | Updated at
IDAHO FALLS — A man convicted in the kidnapping and assault of an Idaho Falls man will have to wait six more weeks to hear his fate.
Devan Crawford, 23, pleaded guilty to a felony kidnapping charge and felony use of a deadly weapon Jan. 28. Court records show Crawford aided in the kidnapping and attack of Brandon Bykonen in August 2015. He taunted Bykonen with a hatchet by rubbing the sharp edge across the Bykonen’s skin, then attacked him with the hatchet, resulting in loss of some of Bykonen’s fingers and disfigurement to his hands.
Crawford was present in court Wednesday for a sentencing hearing. However, both the state and defense told the court they were unprepared to proceed with the hearing.
“A violent incident occurred (at the Bonneville County Jail) Monday between Mr. Crawford and a co-defendant,” Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Penny North Shaul told the court. “This incident may result in further criminal charges and may violate the plea agreement.”
North Shaul then requested that Wednesday’s hearing be rescheduled to allow the state time to investigate the incident.
Bonneville County prosecutors could not confirm the identity of the co-defendant referenced in the incident.
However, inmate housing logs show Crawford was housed in the same unit as co-defend Ivan Sandoval on Monday when the incident occurred. No other co-defendants were housed in the unit.
“Detectives are investigating the (jail attack),” Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Bryan Lovell told EastIdahoNews.com. “They have gathered statements, and at this point it is unclear if Crawford is the suspect or the victim.”
Crawford’s attorney, Kelly Mallard, agreed to continue the hearing due to concerns regarding a mental health evaluation.
District Judge Bruce Pickett postponed Crawford’s sentencing hearing by six weeks, to May 11.
“This will allow time for the state to complete their investigation regarding the incident at the jail and provide enough time to complete a psychological evaluation,” Pickett said.
RELATED CONTENT:
Suspects in kidnapping, hatchet attack plead not guilty
One of five suspects in kidnapping, torture case pleads guilty
Guilty pleas for two accused of kidnapping, attacking man with hatchet
Sandoval sentenced to rider in kidnapping and aggravated assault case