07-16-2012, 12:39 PM
From WTOL TV:
TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Cameo Pettaway faced a judge in Lucas County Common Pleas court Monday for a competency hearing.
He is one of two suspects charged with the double murder of Johnny Clark and Lisa Straub in Springfield Township back in January 2011.
The hearing is still under way in the courtroom to determine if Pettaway has the mental capacity to face the death penalty if convicted.
The defense's witness, John Fabian, took the stand late Monday morning.
Pettaway and a second defendant, Samuel Williams, are facing aggravated murder charges.
After Monday's hearing, the judge will rule whether a death penalty specification on the charges can stand. By law, individuals who are mentally challenged cannot face the death penalty.
So far in Monday's case, a defense psychologist presented a lengthy report revealing a series of tests he conducted on Pettaway. He testified that he believes Pettaway is mentally retarded.
The prosecution will be next to call its witness.
Even if the specification is removed, trials for both Pettaway and Williams are scheduled to begin later this week with opening statements Friday following jury selection. Testimony in the trials could begin next week. They will both run simultaneously.
TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Cameo Pettaway faced a judge in Lucas County Common Pleas court Monday for a competency hearing.
He is one of two suspects charged with the double murder of Johnny Clark and Lisa Straub in Springfield Township back in January 2011.
The hearing is still under way in the courtroom to determine if Pettaway has the mental capacity to face the death penalty if convicted.
The defense's witness, John Fabian, took the stand late Monday morning.
Pettaway and a second defendant, Samuel Williams, are facing aggravated murder charges.
After Monday's hearing, the judge will rule whether a death penalty specification on the charges can stand. By law, individuals who are mentally challenged cannot face the death penalty.
So far in Monday's case, a defense psychologist presented a lengthy report revealing a series of tests he conducted on Pettaway. He testified that he believes Pettaway is mentally retarded.
The prosecution will be next to call its witness.
Even if the specification is removed, trials for both Pettaway and Williams are scheduled to begin later this week with opening statements Friday following jury selection. Testimony in the trials could begin next week. They will both run simultaneously.