By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Trial, other court dates set for Dawson County teen accused in brother’s death
Courtroom stock photo
File photo. - photo by Julia Hansen

A trial date has been set in the case of a Dawson County teenager accused of killing her brother in late 2020. 

This story continues below.

Defendant Hope Lindsey’s trial has been specially set for the week of Aug. 14, lawyers discussed during a Jan. 31 status hearing at the Dawson County Government Center. 

This date will allow for any other motions to be filed in the case by March 2 and factor in a negotiated plea deadline of May 16, according to the lawyers’ Jan. 31 discussion. 

Northeastern Judicial Circuit Superior Court judge Lindsay Burton, who previously served as the chief judge for the circuit’s juvenile court, is now presiding over the teen’s case.

Hope Lindsey has been accused of fatally stabbing her brother, 11-year-old Payton Lindsey, at a western Dawson County residence on Dec. 5, 2020. Payton received multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement from Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson at the time. 

Lindsey, who was 14 years old at the time, was charged as an adult for the alleged crimes and is being held at a youth detention center after being denied bond. 

In March 2021, the teen was indicted on one count each of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery. 

Lindsey entered a plea of not guilty on May 18, 2021.She was found mentally competent to stand trial earlier last year following two evaluations. 

Her criminal case was transferred back to the active docket in October 2022, according to an order filed then in Dawson County Superior Court.

DCN will continue following this court case.