HOUMA, La. (AP) - Doctors will decide whether a Theriot man is mentally competent to stand trial.
The Courier (https://bit.ly/1z2JyUe) reports three state-appointed psychologists will determine if 45-year-old Euricka Verdin is mentally capable of understanding the charges against him.
Verdin faces a second-degree murder charge after authorities say he shot and killed 29-year-old James Callahan following an argument last December.
A Terrebonne Parish grand jury indicted Verdin in February.
Court records show initially Verdin pleaded not guilty. He later withdrew his plea, saying he wished to plead not guilty by reason of insanity instead.
Verdin’s attorney, Martin Regan of New Orleans, declined to comment.
If found mentally incompetent, Verdin will be sent to a facility in Jackson for treatment. If convicted, he faces a sentence of life in prison without parole.
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Information from: The Courier, https://www.houmatoday.com
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