FALLON, Nev. (AP) — A Nevada judge has ordered a mental examination to determine whether the man accused of fatally shooting a fellow congregation member at a Mormon church is competent to stand trial for murder.
The Lahontan Valley News reports John O'Connor's lawyers requested the competency exam Thursday during a hearing in justice court in rural Fallon about 60 miles east of Reno.
O'Connor is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of longtime Fallon volunteer firefighter Charles E. "Bert" Miller during Sunday's services.
He's also accused of battery and assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of Miller's brother from Utah and for pointing the handgun at another man.
Judge Mike Richards said the evaluation should take 30 days and expects O'Connor back in court in about 45 days.
Bert Miller's funeral is scheduled Friday morning in Fallon.