Pre-Trial Hearing Set in Calvert Case

TYLER — The motion for continuance of pre-trial in the case of an East Texas man accused of murder has been granted and a new pre-trial date has been set. According to KETK, 241st District Court Judge Jack Skeen says the pre-trial hearing for James Calvert has been slated for 9:00 a.m. Monday, April 6. Calvert recently entered a motion to change his original plea from “not guilty” to “not guilty by reason of insanity” in a 2012 murder-kidnapping that began at a Tyler home. Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham says James Calvert also refused to consent to a voluntary psychological evaluation by court-appointed experts.

Calvert is accused of shooting and killing Jelena Radobanovic Sriraman before kidnapping their son, Lucas, on October 31, 2012. Calvert was captured late that same night in West Monroe, Louisiana, following a short police chase and a crash. In May, 2012, Calvert was involved in a custody battle with Sriraman.