Attorney hoping for reduced charges for woman accused in Jan. killing of husband

The defense attorney representing a woman accused in the fatal shooting of her husband said he is hoping to reach a settlement with the district attorney's office on the case.

Paul Drakulich said he is trying to get charges reduced from first degree murder for Devonya Sasha Camara, who is charged with killing her husband David alongside U.S. 50 in January.

"My hope is we can negotiate a settlement that's more reasonable than the maximum charge," Drakulich said.

The attorney said the discussions are partly based on findings from a psychologist who conducted an extensive mental examination of Camara.

"I haven't received the written report but have discussed at length his thoughts and findings," he said.

Camara was found competent to stand trial after an examination by doctors at Lake's Crossing in Sparks, a state mental health facility. The competency hearing determined Camara knows the difference between right and wrong and is able to assist her lawyer in her defense.

Drakulich requested a more thorough evaluation to determine if his client suffered any mental deficiencies the night she allegedly shot her husband. He said earlier he was exploring a not guilty by reason of insanity plea.

Drakulich said he will be discussing options with Camara's family on Aug. 26.

The defendant appeared in district court Tuesday for a status hearing. Her hair was uncombed and she appeared pale.

Camara, 30, is accused of shooting her husband in the chest with a 9mm handgun after his band played at Jive-n-Java coffee shop. The Sparks couple were on their way home when they stopped alongside the state highway about six miles west of Fallon.

David Camara, 33, used a cell phone to call friends in another vehicle asking for help. Police said David Camara told the friends his wife "was out of control."

The witnesses told Churchill County Sheriff's Department investigators they heard the couple arguing before Devonya Camara retrieved the gun from under the driver's seat and fired a single shot.

She was arrested shortly after the alleged crime and has remained in the Churchill County Jail in lieu of $500,000 cash bail since.

n Marlene Garcia can be contacted at mgarcia@lahontanvalleynews.com