William Aydelott still unfit for trial, says attorneys in new hearing
A Florida teenager accused of killing his mother on Christmas Eve was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial for a second time.
William Brandon Aydelott, 18, reportedly bludgeoned and stabbed his mother to death during a confrontation in her home last year. Aydelott was then deemed incompetent to stand trial for the homicide shortly afterward and involuntarily committed to a state hospital for treatment.
Back in January, State Attorney Bill Eddins defined competency as a defendant’s ability to comprehend court proceedings which prompted psychological evaluations and recommendations of two experts who determined Aydelott was incompetent to proceed.
In a scheduled pre-trial status conference on Thursday in the Santa Rosa County Courthouse, the defense and prosecution agreed that Aydelott should remain in treatment. Aydelott did not appear in court.
When a defendant is found incompetent to stand trial, it means that there are concerns over whether they can adequately follow court proceedings and understand their rights as the accused.
Aydelott is currently being held in Santa Rosa County Jail, but he will soon be transported back to a state hospital. There, doctors may attempt to improve Aydelott’s competency through therapy or medication, according to officials.
Until doctors determine Aydelott is fit for trial, he will remain in treatment indefinitely. His next status conference has been scheduled for February.
