Leon murder trial pushed back for psyc. eval.

Tools

By Jay Michaels

Story Published: Jun 18, 2009 at 6:40 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2009 at 10:35 PM CDT

06/18/09

A court hearing that was set for Thursday, in a Jerome County first degree murder case, was cancelled and a psychological evaluation has been ordered. 73-year old Fortino Garcia Leon is charged with killing 22-year old Javier Zavala Paniagua, and also faces battery charges for allegedly shooting his wife, 41-year old Maria Leon.

A motion for a psychological evaluation was requested by the prosecutor and approved by the judge in the case. A report was prepared earlier by Idaho Health and Welfare officials on Leon’s mental competency, but that information hasn't been presented in court yet.

Typically psychological evaluations are done by one, or both, sides in a case to determine if the defendant is mentally fit to stand trial, and aid in their own defense. It may be mid-October, 15 months after Leon’s initial arrest before another legal hearing is held in the case

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On

Poll

Do you text while driving?

  • Yes
  • No