KINGMAN – A Kingman area double-homicide case is advancing following expert mental health analysis concluded that the defendant is legally competent to stand trial and assist in his defense. Attorneys and Judge Doug Camacho formally adopted the competency finding during a Nov. 14 status conference in the prosecution of Daniel Avila, 27, El Mirage.
Avila pleaded not guilty in May to two counts of first-degree murder. The victims, Retta Atkins, 73, known by many as the “Gold Lady”, and Darren VanHouten, 50, were shot and killed in their home on the backside of the Hualapai Mountains southeast of Kingman in June, 2022.
Eerie surveillance system video from the victim’s residence in the 2900 block of Dilligaf Road reveals a hooded and partially masked male subject lurking outside their home on the date of the killings.
Defense attorney Randall Craig advised the Court that he is in communication with deputy Mohave County attorney Jacob Cote.
“There is a favorable plea offer on the table,” Craig told Judge Doug Camacho. “I’d like to explore that with Mr. Avila now that we’ve resolved the competency issue.”
Camacho scheduled a Dec. 9 settlement conference in the event the attorneys do not achieve a plea agreement. The matter would be set for trial sometime next year if a resolution is not achieved.
Dave Hawkins
