An October trial date appears to remain intact for Joseph Hoek, the man charged with capital murder in the tragic death of Moody County Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok.
This past week, a status hearing was held where Hoek’s defense team requested additional legal representation and a mitigation specialist to assist with the case. A mitigation specialist helps gather background information on the defendant, aiming to reduce the severity of charges or influence sentencing. The defense had asked for 500 hours of funding for the specialist, but the judge approved only 250 hours, adding an additional $37,500 in expenses to the county.
Hoek, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated eluding charges, appeared in court as the case continues to move forward. Attorney General Marty Jackley and the state are seeking the death penalty due to the severity of the crime and its devastating impact on the community.
A motions hearing at the end of June will give more insight into the evidence that will likely be presented at the trial. The judge also outlined the jury selection process, with approximately 350 jury questionnaires being sent out this summer to potential jurors for the case.
As the legal proceedings continue, Deputy Prorok’s family and his colleagues from the Moody County Sheriff’s Office are preparing for an emotional trip to Washington, D.C. Later this month, thanks to countless generous donations from throughout Moody County and the nation, will help all attend the National Fallen Officers Memorial. Prorok’s name, which has already been etched into the granite, is formally being added to the memorial this year.