Judge rules Miami County man charged in father’s stabbing death incompetent for trial

Miami County Courthouse

Miami County Courthouse

TROY – A Miami County judge ruled Thursday that a Covington man charged with murder in the May stabbing death of his father is a mentally ill person incompetent to stand trial.

Mark Mayor, 47, faces charges of murder and felonious assault in the May 16 death of David Mayor, 72, at their Newton Twp. home.

Mark Mayor

Credit: Miami County Jail

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Credit: Miami County Jail

Mark Mayor had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He appeared in court Thursday via video from the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital for the hearing held by Common Pleas Court Judge Jeannine Pratt.

Pratt said a second evaluation of Mayor conducted recently at the psychiatric hospital resulted in a report that Mayor is incapable of understanding court proceedings and cannot assist in his defense at this time.

The report further indicated Mayor is capable of being restored to competence within one year, the judge said.

Pratt ordered Mayor to remain at the hospital for treatment with medications to assist with his mental health issues.

County Prosecutor Tony Kendell and Jack Hemm, public defender, did not oppose the evaluation report. A first report was not included in the court record. The second report was requested after Mayor failed to participate fully in the initial evaluation, according to previous court hearings.

Sheriff’s deputies said David Mayor died at the Myers Road home he shared with his wife and son after he was stabbed during what was described as a domestic dispute. Police and medical personnel received a call to the house around 5:30 p.m. May 16.

Pratt also ordered that law enforcement officers accompany Mark Mayor should he require any off-site medical treatment during his time at the hospital.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com

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