An Oklahoma judge has ordered a jury trial to determine whether a man charged in the beheading death of a co-worker is mentally competent to be tried for first-degree murder.
Cleveland County District Judge Lori Walkley scheduled an Oct. 26 competency trial for 31-year-old Alton Nolen, who is charged in the Sept. 25, 2014, slaying of 54-year-old Colleen Hufford at a food processing plant in Moore.
District Attorney Greg Mashburn says mental evaluations of Nolen have been filed under seal in the case. Mashburn says evidence of Nolen's mental condition will be presented to jurors, who will determine whether Nolen is competent to be tried for murder.
Mashburn says defense attorneys maintain Nolen is unable to assist them. Nolen's attorney, Mitch Solomon, didn't immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.
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