Dawson McGehee went before San Joaquin Superior Court Judge Xapuri Villapupua Thursday afternoon in Stockton and heard the charge of premeditated first degree murder against him.

McGehee, 26, of Manteca was arrested at 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 1 after the Halloween night death of his mother, Katy McGehee, in her Golden Pond Drive home in north Manteca.

The Manteca man sat shackled in a red jump suit nervously fidgeting with his hands and fingers and moving his head backwards as well as rolling his eyes.  While he appeared to be dillusional, he was able to answer the judge affirmatively when she asked if he understood the seriousness of the charge against him as family members sat in the courtroom.

Deputy District Attorney Sherri Adams was asked by reporters just how she saw his mental condition in the courtroom with him appearing unsteady.   She responded that they saw the same thing she did and didn’t comment further other than to say that he will possibly be evaluated to determine if he is competent – and if he needs help – “we will get him help.”

Adams told the judge that she feels that McGehee is a high risk inmate and that he should continue to be held without bail.

“We’re still waiting to get all the evidence from the police reports from Manteca PD,” she said of the arraignment going forward to next Thursday, Nov. 10.