Judge: Planned Parenthood shooter remains incompetent to stand trial

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

AP_LOGO_02
Associated Press

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.

Weird times

Denverite is powered by you. In these weird times, the local vigilance, the local context, the local flavor — it’s powered through your donations. If you’d miss Denverite if it disappeared tomorrow, donate today.

Support our work

You’re our superpower

Denverite supporters have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.

Here’s that page

You’re our superpower

Denverite members have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.

Here’s that page

Tagged

shooter, low-income, planned parenthood, Dave Williams, Colorado Springs