Judge Martin Stone gives instructions to Monte B. Callaway, center, during a hearing Monday. Callaway is accused of attempted murder in a February shooting.- Photo by Alexander Rich

COQUILLE — Judge Martin Stone granted the man suspected of shooting a Bandon bartender more time in his court case to have a mental health evaluation performed.

Defense attorney Ron Cox, who is representing Monte Callaway, 47, of Bandon, made the request Monday morning at a change-plea hearing in Judge Martin Stone’s courtroom.

Stone was willing to give Callaway until 8:30 a.m. on Monday, June 30.

The criminal case stems from a Feb. 21 shooting at a Bandon tavern, where both Callaway and an employee, Paul Conner, suffered gun shot wounds and were sent to the hospital. According to the Coos County District Attorney’s office and court records, a suspect police identified as Callaway entered the tavern armed with a shotgun and fired shots at Conner, striking him in the head. Callaway turned the weapon on himself, shooting himself in the face.

Conner was released from the hospital after several days of treatment, while Callaway spent about a month in the hospital, requiring reconstructive surgery on his lower jaw.

Coos County District Attorney R. Paul Frasier said the request for a mental evaluation suggests the defense will argue Callaway was not in a state of mind to be held accountable for his actions.

“It does not surprise me that they want to do this,” he said.

The court arraigned Callaway on April 11 on a grand jury indictment charging attempted murder, first-degree assault with a firearm, second-degree assault with a firearm, unlawful use of a firearm and three counts of recklessly endangering another.

Both the attempted murder and first-degree assault charges come with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $375,000 fines. The second-degree charge would include a sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine.

Callaway appeared much as he did for his previous court appearances, wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans. His face was covered by a yellow surgical mask.

Unlike his first court date on March 31, when his injuries required him to write his responses to the judge, Callaway was able to speak Monday.

His responses were somewhat garbled, though intelligible. Most consisted of “Yes, sir,” and “No, sir,” in response to Stone’s questions.

Frasier’s lone comment during the proceedings was to ask for a copy of the report from Callaway’s mental health evaluation.

“I get to decide if I want to get a second opinion,” he explained.

Callaway remains under house arrest at his brother’s residence outside the Bandon city limits. As before, he is not allowed to leave the house except for medical visits, court appearances and consultations with his attorney.