By Associated Press - Monday, May 4, 2015

LE MARS, Iowa (AP) - An attorney for a man charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his mother says his client suffers from mental disorders preventing him from understanding the case against him.

The Sioux City Journal reports Monday (https://bit.ly/1PixhNR ) that public defendant Billy Oyadare is seeking a hearing to determine if Jonathan Neunaber is competent to stand trial in the death of his mother, 80-year-old Esther Neunaber. Her body was found last July with the body of her husband Donald Neunaber. She was beaten to death. He died of natural causes.

Oyadare says a psychologist has stated 45-year-old Jonathan Neunaber suffers from mental disorders preventing him from appreciating the charges, understanding the proceedings or assisting in his defense.

Neunaber was arrested in July. He’s pleaded not guilty.

A trial hasn’t been scheduled.

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Information from: Sioux City Journal, https://www.siouxcityjournal.com

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