Judge: Planned Parenthood shooter remains incompetent to stand trial

Robert Dear told investigators he attacked the clinic because of his anti-abortion stance.

Associated Press

Nov. 17, 2016, 1:12 p.m.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A judge says a man who acknowledged killing three people at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic remains mentally incompetent, stalling the case against him.

Judge Gilbert Martinez made the ruling Thursday based on a report from the state psychiatric hospital, where Robert Dear has been undergoing treatment since he was deemed incompetent in May.

Dear will remain in the state hospital until the judge determines he is able to assist in his defense.

During an October hearing, Dear claimed he’s been forcibly medicated while being held at the hospital.

He is charged with 179 counts, including murder and attempted murder, stemming from the Nov. 27 shooting at the Colorado Springs clinic that also left nine injured.

Dear told investigators he attacked the clinic because of his anti-abortion stance. Two psychologists testified he has a delusion disorder.

The judge will receive an update on his progress at a Feb. 15 hearing.

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