COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The latest on a mental competency hearing for a man who acknowledges killing three people at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic:
11 a.m.
A Colorado Springs police detective says the man who acknowledges killing three people at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic told people after his arrest that he believes a move by defense attorneys to have him declared mentally incompetent is part of a plot to diminish his message opposing abortion.
Detective Jerry Schiffelbein testified Thursday that 57-year-old Robert Dear made a number of phone calls after he was charged with 179 counts including murder, attempted murder and assault for the Nov. 27 shooting that also injured nine. He says Dear told people he believed federal agents were out to get him before he decided to make his last stand by attacking what he called the "evilest place on Earth."
A judge ordered Dear's mental evaluation after he announced he wanted to fire his public defenders and represent himself.
His defense wants him committed to a psychiatric hospital. If a judge agrees, Dear's case would stall indefinitely while he gets treatment.
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1:10 a.m.
The man who acknowledges killing three people at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic will return to court for a discussion of his mental health.
Thursday's hearing will focus on whether 57-year-old Robert Dear is competent to continue with his criminal case. A doctor who conducted Dear's competency exam and a police detective could testify.
A judge ordered Dear's mental evaluation after he announced he wanted to fire his public defenders and represent himself.
Prosecutors charged Dear with 179 counts including murder, attempted murder and assault for the Nov. 27 shooting that also injured nine.
During courtroom outbursts, he declared himself a "warrior for the babies" and said he was guilty.
His defense wants him committed to a psychiatric hospital. If a judge agrees, Dear's case would stall indefinitely while he gets treatment.
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