Trial Dates Set for Two Major Cases in Wichita County

Defendants accused of first-degree felonies face potential life sentences if convicted.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Two defendants accused of major felony offenses in Wichita County, Texas have had their trial dates specially set. Jakob Blankenship is set to stand trial on May 4, 2026 for a murder charge after allegedly selling fentanyl-laced Percocet pills that resulted in a woman's death. Haeven Watson is scheduled to go to trial on July 13, 2026 for four counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of burglary with intent to commit a sex offense.

Why it matters

These cases highlight the serious nature of the charges and the potential consequences the defendants face, with both cases involving allegations of violent crimes that could result in life sentences if the defendants are convicted. The trials will be closely watched by the local community as they seek justice and accountability.

The details

Jakob Blankenship, 23, was indicted in 2022 for murder after allegedly selling fentanyl-laced Percocet pills to Zoe Brewer, 20, who later died from ingesting them. Haeven Watson, 21, stands accused of four counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of burglary with intent to commit a sex offense, with the charges stemming from alleged incidents at the Sundance Apartments on the Midwestern State University campus in the fall of 2024. Both defendants have been in custody for over a year awaiting trial.

  • Blankenship's trial is set for May 4, 2026.
  • Watson's trial is set for July 13, 2026.

The players

Jakob Blankenship

A 23-year-old Wichita Falls resident indicted for murder in 2022 after allegedly selling fentanyl-laced Percocet pills that resulted in a woman's death.

Haeven Watson

A 21-year-old Converse, Texas resident accused of four counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of burglary with intent to commit a sex offense, with the charges stemming from alleged incidents at Midwestern State University in 2024.

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What’s next

The judges in both cases will preside over the trials, which are expected to last around two weeks each.

The takeaway

These trials will be closely watched by the Wichita County community as they seek justice and accountability for the alleged violent crimes committed by the defendants, who face the possibility of life sentences if convicted.