West Liberty school shooting suspect found competent to stand trial

Ely Serna (left) and his attorney, Dennis Lieberman in Judge Lori L. Reisinger’s courtroom during a probable cause hearing. JEFF GUERINI/STAFF

Ely Serna (left) and his attorney, Dennis Lieberman in Judge Lori L. Reisinger’s courtroom during a probable cause hearing. JEFF GUERINI/STAFF
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By Breaking News Staff and Parker Perry
Oct 5, 2017
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The teen accused in the West Liberty-Salem High School shooting has been found competent to stand trial, according to court documents obtained by the Springfield News-Sun.

The case against Ely Serna, 17, should move forward, Champaign County Common Pleas Court Judge Nick Selvaggio says in a court journal entry.

>>MORE: Judge accepts West Liberty suspect's insanity plea 

Serna has been hospitalized at Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare in Columbus for several months. His court proceedings had been put on hold while he was evaluated to determine if he could stand trial on several charges in connection with the shooting at West Liberty-Salem High School in January. Serna faces charges that include two counts of attempted murder.

>>RELATED: West Liberty school shooting: Accused to be tried as adult 

The judge ordered Serna to remain at Twin Valley so that he could remain competent at the request of the defense, the court documents say.

Serna has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Champaign County Prosecutor Kevin Talebi also has requested a second evaluation to get a mental condition at the time of the alleged offense.

For the full story, go to SpringfieldNewsSun.com.

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Breaking News Staff
Parker Perry