ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Friday, a judge in Alexandria ruled that Gregory Murphy was still not competent to stand trial for allegedly killing 8-year-old Kevin Shifflet in April 2000.The boy was stabbed to death as he played in front of his grandmother's home in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood.
At one time, Murphy was found incompetent to stand trial and was put on medication. Last month, Evan Nelson, a court-appointed psychologist, said Murphy's condition had improved and he was fit for trial. But Nelson examined Murphy again on Thursday, and said he was still not well enough to face charges.Doctors said Murphy's objective test data indicate he is functioning in the mentally retarded range and exhibits indications of significant brain impairment.The commonwealth's attorney said he still hopes to someday try Murphy, but that time is running out. When Murphy was charged, Virginia law allowed five years to restore a defendant to competency. For Murphy, the deadline is October. The next hearing to evaluate Murphy's mental competency is set for June 2.
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Friday, a judge in Alexandria ruled that Gregory Murphy was still not competent to stand trial for allegedly killing 8-year-old Kevin Shifflet in April 2000.The boy was stabbed to death as he played in front of his grandmother's home in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood.
